Patients and healthcare staff have been severely inconvenienced due to the breakdown of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners in seven government hospitals, according to the Government Radiological Technologists Association.
The Association states that out of the CT scanners in 44 hospitals, seven have completely broken down.
CT scanners at Ratnapura General Hospital, Karawanella Base Hospital, Embilipitiya District Hospital, the Cancer Unit of Hambantota General Hospital, Base Hospital – Kalmunai North, the Outpatient Department of Colombo National Hospital, and Kalutara General Hospital have malfunctioned, the Association said.
Stating that the lives of patients are at risk under the current circumstances, the Association pointed out that high costs have also been incurred due to transporting patients to other hospitals for scan reports.
Speaking to the media, the President of the Government Radiological Technologists Association Chanaka Dharmawickrama revealed that it had been many years since some of these CT scanners had broken down.
He also pointed out that Karawanella Base Hospital has spent between Rs. 3-4 million per month, transporting patients to other hospitals for CT scan reports.
Chanaka Dharmawickrama said that according to statistics, one hospital alone has spent over Rs. 15 million in five months for this purpose. (Newswire)