PET Scan Crisis Hits Cancer Patients Amid Chemical Shortage

COLOMBO (News 1st); Cancer patients are facing severe difficulties due to the suspension of PET scan services at the Colombo National Hospital and the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

The disruption has been caused by a shortage of the radioactive tracer required for PET scans.

The shortage arose after delays by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) in registering the supplier responsible for importing the chemical. As a result, the required substance has not been available in the country since March 27.

PET scans play a critical role in accurately detecting cancer cells, assessing their activity, determining the extent of their spread, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

Speaking on the matter, NMRA Chairman, Specialist Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, stated that last year permission had been granted to import the substance without formal registration.

However, from this year, the NMRA decided to mandate the registration of all such suppliers.

He noted that although companies were requested to submit the necessary information for registration, delays in providing those details led to the current situation.

Dr. Wijewickrama further stated that approval has now been granted to import the relevant chemical following the supplier’s registration.

Accordingly, the required substance is expected to be brought into the country at the earliest.