By Newswire Editorial
The Ministry of Health is focusing on acquiring new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machines and upgrading CT Simulator facilities at the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama to expand radiotherapy services and reduce waiting times for cancer patients.
According to the Ministry, the proposed improvements aim to increase the hospital’s treatment capacity, improve efficiency and ensure timely access to radiotherapy services for patients.
The measures were discussed during a special follow-up management review meeting held recently at the hospital, chaired by Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni.
Special attention was given to acquiring new LINAC machines to enable the hospital to provide radiotherapy treatment to a larger number of cancer patients while improving the efficiency of existing services.
Discussions also focused on upgrading and maintaining CT Simulator facilities, which are essential for planning radiotherapy treatment, along with improving other medical equipment and technical facilities.
The Ministry said staffing requirements were also reviewed, including the need for specialist doctors, radiation therapy technologists, medical physicists and other technical and support staff.
Meanwhile, progress on preparing a new master plan for the hospital, with technical assistance from the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB), was examined.
The proposed plan aims to improve hospital infrastructure, maximise available space and accommodate future treatment requirements.
Other matters discussed included medical equipment maintenance, hospital digitalisation, improved internet facilities and resolving professional issues faced by hospital staff.
Deputy Minister Wijemuni emphasised the importance of strengthening radiotherapy services at Apeksha Hospital, which provides specialised cancer treatment to patients from across Sri Lanka.
He assured that steps would be taken to expedite the identified development projects by providing the necessary infrastructure, medical equipment and human resources. (Newswire)