The Health Ministry says Sri Lanka’s State hospital system has been strengthened with 18 new Colposcopy machines aimed at improving the detection and treatment of cervical cancer.
According to the Ministry, 12 of the machines have already been installed in hospitals across the country this year, while another six are scheduled to be installed next month at a total cost of Rs. 114 million.
The Ministry said the latest expansion increases the total number of Colposcopy machines in the State hospital system from 15 to 33.
The machines are used to examine abnormalities in the cervix and vaginal tract and assist doctors in identifying abnormal cells and providing treatment at an early stage.
Health officials said the newly installed machines are currently operating in hospitals in Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kurunegala, De Soysa Women’s Hospital, Kandy, Gampaha, Matara, Monaragala, Puttalam and Hambantota.
Another six machines are due to be installed in Ampara, Ragama, Kalutara, Kuliyapitiya, Matale and Vavuniya hospitals next month.
The Health Ministry noted that cervical cancer is currently the fifth most common cancer affecting women in Sri Lanka.
According to the National Cancer Control Programme, around 1,200 new cervical cancer patients are identified annually, while nearly 180 deaths are reported each year due to delayed or inadequate treatment.
Health officials also noted that cervical cancer can be prevented if detected during the pre-cancer stage and is mainly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). (Newswire)