GIANYAR ~ Gianyar Regent Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana said this week that Rp2 billion (US$221,000) in aid has been given to poor and domestically abused people in his regency.

Aid was given in the form of livestock, health insurance, clothes and school supplies for 700 elementary school students and 350 junior high students.

The head of the Social Welfare Department in Gianyar, Ni Wayan Suhesti, said poor families who had been given health insurance would be able to receive treatment in Gianyar, Klungkung, Bangli and Karangasem.

The free services include checkups, hospital stays and medicine.

Ardhana said the aid was aimed at relieving the strain of economic troubles.