The Government Association of Radiological Technologists reports that the treatment of cancer patients in the Southern Province has been completely halted due to the shutdown of the Linear Accelerator Cancer Radiation Therapy Unit at the Galle National Hospital.
According to the Association’s President, Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the suspension of treatment is due to a defect in the cooling system of the unit where the machine is installed.
The temperature and humidity levels of the linear accelerator machine must be carefully controlled, using air conditioners and chillers. Dharmawickrama pointed out that if optimal temperature and humidity levels are not maintained, the machine cannot function properly to deliver treatment.
There are 10 Linear Accelerator Treatment Machines installed in Sri Lanka’s hospital system. It is reported that one out of the five machines installed at Apeksha Hospital, as well as the machines at Batticaloa and Jaffna Teaching Hospitals, are facing serious issues due to defects in the air conditioning and cooling systems of the buildings where they are housed.
Dharmawickrama stated that the inability to maintain the required temperature and humidity has posed a serious threat to the durability of these machines and has made it impossible to continue patient treatments.
Although each machine currently costs around 800 million rupees, the relevant parties have been properly informed about the defects. However, the authorities have not taken the necessary action, he alleged.
The Association urges the Minister of Health and the Health Secretary to resolve these issues immediately to ensure the continuation of patient care services. Otherwise, patients will be forced to pay between 500,000 and 1.7 million rupees for treatment in the private sector, risking both their finances and their lives.
—
Would you also like a shorter version for a news bulletin or social media post?
