Cancer Radiation treatment at Galle hospital comes to a standstill

Colombo, Jan. 15 (Daily Mirror) - Radiation treatment for cancer patients at the Galle National Hospital has been halted owing to the breakdown of both radiation therapy machines at the facility.

The hospital’s oncology unit uses a linear accelerator and a cobalt radiation machine to provide daily treatment over periods ranging from five to 35 days, depending on the patient’s condition. 

According to sources, the linear accelerator has been out of service since Monday (12), while the cobalt machine broke down on Wednesday (14), disrupting treatment for more than 120 patients a day.

Despite radiation technologists informing the relevant service provider and the Ministry of Health, the machines have yet to be repaired. 

Delays in restoring the linear accelerator are reportedly due to the failure to renew its service agreement on time.