Rio, 12/9/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Ministry of Science and Technology says that the National Nuclear Energy Commission (Cnen) will receive R$3.5 million between 2004 and 2007 for the expansion of its production of radioactive material that is used in pharmaceuticals. Annually, such pharmaceuticals are used in some 2 million medical procedures in Brazil.

The announcement was made by minister Roberto Amaral at a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of Cnen. (AB)