MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said The Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund is providing a 500,000 usd grant while the Laos government is giving 100,000 usd for information and communication technology in rural areas in Laos to enhance health services.

ADB will manage the 500,000 usd grant.

The bank said it will provide technical assistance to develop 'e-centres' in two pilot provinces, Savannakhet and Xieng Khouang, to bring affordable access to the Internet, e-mail, computer training, and online services to 16 district hospitals and health centres.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/03/12/afx4761752.html