She said the World Health Organization (WHO) had urged necessary measures to contain the spread of bird flu, particularly due to the emergence of the new (H7N9) virus.

'And they also worry that equipment purchased will break down because it is not used,' said Nafsiah after receiving an audit result on the ministry's 2012 financial report presented by Rizal Djalil of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Various health equipment and supplies for bird flu control procured in 2006 are seized by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as evidence in the investigation into an alleged corruption case that involved the ministry's then director of medical services.

Nafsiah said she fully supported the judicial process to continue. However, she also hoped that the health equipment already procured could be used as intended.

Responding to the demand, Rizal Djalil said the BPK had agreed that the development of facilities for bird flu control could continue, however, the procurement process should be in line with procedures.

'I propose that bird flu control can also involve several universities deemed capable of producing the vaccine,' said Rizal.

They included the University of Indonesia's school of microbiology, Airlangga University's school of medicines, the Bandung Institute of Technology's school of pharmacy and Padjajaran University's school of medicine. (ebf)

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