Delay in procuring advanced radiotherapy machines raising cancer mortality, warn experts

Colombo, January 9 (Daily Mirror) - The lack of modern radiotherapy technology in Sri Lanka is worsening the quality of life for cancer patients and increasing mortality rates, particularly for those suffering from cervical, endometrial, prostate, rectal, anal, breast, head, neck, and skin cancers, medical experts warn.

The Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said the delays in purchasing advanced radiotherapy equipment are largely due to inefficiency and mismanagement within the Health Ministry. Proposals from the Treasury and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the procurement of highly advanced anti-cancer machines remain stalled, he added.

The procurement process was reportedly delayed during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukkala, with former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta allegedly attempting either to postpone the purchases further or acquire lower-quality machines to benefit the private sector, matters that were discussed in the Parliamentary COPE Committee. Dr. Sanjeewa further questioned whether delays under successive Health Ministers were part of a broader effort to divert patients to private hospitals.

Recent media reports indicate that a small, influential group within the private sector is allegedly attempting to pressure the Health Ministry to block the purchase of modern brachytherapy units. These units are vital for treating cervical, prostate, and selected breast cancers. “It seems their aim is to prevent the development of government hospitals and direct patients to private facilities,” Dr. Sanjeewa said, adding that the Minister may be unaware of this agenda.

Currently, brachytherapy services in the country are outdated and limited to cervical and endometrial cancer, leaving many patients without proper treatment options. “The outdated techniques contribute to a very high mortality rate, despite ongoing cervical cancer screening programs,” Dr. Sanjeewa noted.

Under the planned procurement, a modern brachytherapy unit with imaging is set to be purchased for the Galle National Hospital, with similar upgrades proposed for the National Cancer Institute/Maharagama Apeksha Hospital, Kandy National Hospital, and other provincial cancer units. These upgrades include linear accelerators, modern brachytherapy units with imaging, CT simulators, and dosimetry kits.

Dr. Sanjeewa emphasized the need for health authorities to consult medical professionals and the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO) and to expedite the procurement process to bring brachytherapy services in line with modern standards. Highlighting the urgency, he questioned why the government, which can afford expensive vehicles for ministers, cannot prioritize life-saving radiotherapy machines for cancer patients.

This development underscores ongoing concerns about access to modern cancer treatment in Sri Lanka and the need for decisive action to prevent further loss of life.