Delay in cancer equipment procurement causing heavy losses: Specialist

Colombo, June 5 (Daily Mirror) - Medical and Civil Rights Doctors' Trade Union Alliance Chairman and Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has alleged that prolonged delays in procuring advanced cancer radiation therapy equipment have deprived patients of quality treatment and caused significant economic losses to the country.

Addressing the media, Dr. Sanjeewa said the procurement process for modern cancer radiation treatment machines, widely used in developed countries, has been delayed for several years despite efforts to introduce the technology during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

He claimed that irregularities and questionable actions by certain political and ministerial officials had stalled the project, while attempts were made to purchase outdated equipment instead of modern radiation therapy systems. As a result, the government is now required to spend several times more than the amount that would have been needed to procure the equipment three years ago, he said.

Dr. Sanjeewa said that the cobalt-based cancer radiation treatment method currently used in Sri Lanka is associated with several complications and has been phased out in many countries. He said developed nations have largely adopted the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) system, which offers more advanced and precise cancer treatment.

Although a limited number of LINAC machines are currently available in Sri Lanka's state hospital network, he stressed that the number should be more than doubled to meet growing demand. He also called for the immediate expansion of treatment facilities to reduce waiting times for cancer patients requiring radiation therapy.

According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the proposed procurement is expected to be financed through Treasury allocations and funding support from the Asian Development Bank. He urged the President to intervene and remove obstacles delaying the procurement and importation of the equipment.

He further pointed out that more than 15,000 cancer-related deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka, while nearly 1,000 children are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Annual deaths among paediatric cancer patients exceed 200, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen cancer treatment services in the country, he said.