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Lives of cancer patients at stake as radiographers dodge work

20 July 2023 03:53 am - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Radiographers at the Radiation Treatment Department of the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital are facing criticisms for their slow pace of work, which is reportedly putting cancer patients' lives at risk.

Despite the Ministry of Health appointing a committee to address the increasing waiting list for radiation treatment, the issue remains unresolved.

The sluggishness of the radiographers has resulted in a waiting list of over 490 patients, compromising the timely treatment of those who need it urgently. 

Oncologists emphasize that even a day's delay can transform treatable conditions into incurable ones, leading to unexpected deaths. Previously, 8 to 10 patients were provided with radiation treatment per hour, but due to the technicians' decreased efficiency, the number has dropped to 4-5 patients per hour. 

Cancer specialists strongly condemn the unethical behaviour of the radiographers and urge the authorities to intervene and resolve the issue immediately. (Sheain Fernadopulle)


  Comments - 13

  • Specialists who call foul probably can't even do the work they complain aboutIs it slow work or not enough staff Thursday, 20 July 2023 04:24 AM

    The specialists are all big talk, but they do the small stuff compared to the more time consuming work of the technicians. The Specialists probably even unable to do the work of the radiation technologists.

    Dr. W.K.M. Weerasooriya Thursday, 20 July 2023 07:18 AM

    OfCourse, radiation technolist should take extra care on the patients and increase the Nos. for treatment. However, if proper facilities lacking what can they do? What is the Minister doing? Is he is only concentrating on his commissions on drugs?

    Prof. J.M.D. Pieterz Thursday, 20 July 2023 07:22 AM

    For every patient dies at Apeksha Hospital Maharagama - Keyliya Rambukwella has to answer as the staff complaints about the shortage of drugs and they are unable to go ahead with the treatment. If Health Minister cannot solve this problems, he should resign, and some professional person should take over the Health Ministry.

    D. Milton (Admitted Cancer Patient's son) Thursday, 20 July 2023 07:27 AM

    Crazy guy Rambukwella talks bull shit in the Parliament saying in front of every Hospitals a Funeral Palour is available, he is talking nonsense and bull shit. Mr. President, if he is going to continue you may have to pack your bags soon.

    Dr. E.M. Samarasinghe Thursday, 20 July 2023 07:29 AM

    Yes, I agree and noticed the slow work at Maharagama Cancer Hospital. Minister should intervene and solve the problems soon before it's too late, many may die without proper treatment.

    Leo Thursday, 20 July 2023 08:40 AM

    In Sri Lanka the medical oath means nothing.

    Roisin Thursday, 20 July 2023 09:47 AM

    Spot on. Also during Covid19 the doctors gave vaccin preference to young healthy familymembers, politicians, people with connections instead of the vulnerable people.

    True Lankan Thursday, 20 July 2023 11:44 AM

    Dear Almighty Lord, We have no one to ask for help but only you, please protect this Island from all the evils, make this Island flourish again, my people are suffering, give us a good governance not robbers and thugs, please get rid of all of them, please do it, our children are malnourished, old people are suffering without proper medicine, all prices are sky rocketed but these mafia's are doing well and let the people are by using our own money. Om Sai Ram

    Specialist Thursday, 20 July 2023 01:10 PM

    Its nothing to do with Radiologists. They are not doctors. They are radiation technicians. See how crude and jealous our folks.

    Meera XDT Thursday, 20 July 2023 01:13 PM

    Anytime, anything can happen to Minister Rambukwela. Warning !!!

    Rational citizen Thursday, 20 July 2023 02:46 PM

    Doctors, Specialists ,; please leave this country as soon as possible because our people always try to criticise doctors all the time no matter what. Most of these critics are worthless people with inferiority complex...plz doctors, leave this country at least for ur own comfort. Foreign citizens are more grateful as they are not having inferiority complex

    Demuni de Silva Friday, 21 July 2023 06:27 AM

    It has been reliably learnt that due to excellent works carried out by Minister Keheliya Rambkwella with people'sblessings, he has been offered the newly introduced portfolio of building up of Funeral Parlours near each and every hospital, with immediate effect.

    Aruchuna Chelvendran Friday, 21 July 2023 09:43 AM

    Today in our country rulers and most of the administrators are rogues, funniest thing is they say ,they are going to clean the public service, will it happen?


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