Medical experts have warned that the lack of modern radiotherapy technology in Sri Lanka is worsening the quality of life of cancer patients and increasing mortality rates, particularly among those suffering from cervical, endometrial, prostate, rectal, anal, breast, head, neck, and skin cancers.
Chairman of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, said delays in procuring advanced radiotherapy equipment are mainly due to inefficiency and mismanagement within the Ministry of Health. He noted that proposals supported by the Treasury and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to purchase state-of-the-art anti-cancer machines have remained stalled.
According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the procurement process was delayed during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukkala, while discussions at the Parliamentary COPE Committee revealed allegations that former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta attempted to further postpone purchases or acquire lower-quality machines, allegedly to benefit the private sector. He also questioned whether continued delays under successive health ministers were part of a broader attempt to divert patients to private hospitals.
Recent media reports suggest that a small but influential group within the private sector is exerting pressure on the Health Ministry to block the purchase of modern brachytherapy units, which are essential for treating cervical, prostate, and selected breast cancers. “It appears their objective is to hinder the development of government hospitals and redirect patients to private facilities,” Dr. Sanjeewa said, adding that the current Health Minister may be unaware of such efforts.
At present, brachytherapy services in Sri Lanka are outdated and largely limited to cervical and endometrial cancers, leaving many patients without access to effective treatment. Dr. Sanjeewa noted that these outdated methods contribute to high mortality rates, despite the existence of cervical cancer screening programs.
Under proposed procurement plans, modern brachytherapy units with imaging are to be installed at the Galle National Hospital, with similar upgrades planned for the National Cancer Institute at Maharagama (Apeksha Hospital), Kandy National Hospital, and other provincial cancer units. The upgrades would also include linear accelerators, CT simulators, and dosimetry kits.
Emphasizing the urgency of the issue, Dr. Sanjeewa called on health authorities to consult medical professionals and the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO) and to fast-track the procurement process to align cancer treatment services with modern standards. He questioned why funds are available for expensive vehicles for ministers but not for life-saving radiotherapy equipment, stressing the need for decisive action to prevent further loss of life.
