Matara Hospital's New CT Scan Stuck at BIA for 2 Months

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Government Radiological Technologists Association (GRTA) has raised concerns about the new CT scan machine for Matara General Hospital, currently stuck at the Katunayake Airport for two months.

According to GRTA Chairman Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the 140 million rupee worth machine was intended to replace the 18-year-old CT scanner at the hospital, which frequently malfunctions. 

The limited capacity of the old machine leaves Matara district residents with insufficient access to critical imaging services.

"The Ministry of Health initially allocated the new machine to Colombo National Hospital's outpatient department," Dharmawickrama noted. "However, due to the urgent need in Matara, the decision was made to redirect it here."

The issue lies with the machine's clearance at the airport. Delivered on December 16th, 2023, it remains within containers, raising concerns about proper storage conditions.

"CT scanners require specific temperature and humidity levels to function optimally," Dharmawickrama emphasized. 

Further concerns surround the accumulating warehouse fees, reportedly approaching Rs. 2 Million.

While acknowledging the situation, a Matara Teaching Hospital spokesperson assured the public that the Ministry of Health is actively working on acquiring the necessary clearances and facilitating the immediate transport of the machine to the hospital.