Rs. 1.95 Billion CT Scanner Programme To Strengthen Hospital Diagnostics

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Health and Mass Media says 11 advanced CT scanners worth 1.95 billion rupees are being provided to hospitals across the country to improve the diagnosis of strokes, cancers, heart disease, vascular conditions, accident-related injuries, and other medical emergencies.

The programme, implemented under the guidance of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, aims to modernise diagnostic services and provide patients with faster access to accurate medical investigations.

As part of the initiative, a 128-slice CT scanner worth more than 200 million rupees has already been installed at the Kalutara Teaching Hospital, while another CT scanner worth 160 million rupees has been installed at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.

The Ministry has also supplied four modern CT scanners worth approximately 640 million rupees to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, National Hospital Kandy, National Hospital Galle, and Colombo South Teaching Hospital with support from the Asian Development Bank.

Installation work on these scanners is currently under way.

In addition, arrangements are being made to procure CT scanners worth 950 million rupees for the Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital and the District General Hospitals in Dambulla, Nawalapitiya, Chilaw, and Mannar.

Health authorities note that many government hospitals have relied on 16-slice CT scanners for years. However, newer 64-slice and 128-slice scanners provide higher-quality imaging and enable more accurate diagnoses in a shorter period.

The Ministry says the upgraded technology will assist doctors in detecting strokes, cancers, heart disease, trauma injuries, vascular diseases, and emergency conditions more efficiently.

The programme also extends to hospitals managed by provincial councils, enabling patients in remote areas to access advanced diagnostic facilities closer to their homes.

The Ministry says the investment forms part of broader health sector reforms aimed at improving early diagnosis, reducing treatment delays, strengthening medical decision-making, and saving lives.