Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that cancer should not be seen merely as an individual tragedy but as a national challenge, requiring concerted efforts to free the public from its grip.
He stated that combating cancer is a top priority for both the Health Ministry and the Government.
The Minister made these remarks on Monday (20) at the Health and Media Ministry premises during the signing of agreements for the second phase of a project to install state-of-the-art radiation therapy equipment (Linear Accelerator Machines) in selected Government hospitals.
The Minister highlighted that non-communicable diseases, including cancer, are increasingly prevalent in the country. To tackle this, the Health Ministry is implementing several initiatives, including strengthening treatment services, public awareness campaigns and practical programmes.
A section of the gathering.
As part of the second phase, advanced radiation therapy equipment will be installed in five regional hospitals, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home rather than travelling long distances. This development will ease the burden not only on patients but also on their families.
The project, executed in two phases, has already installed advanced equipment in nine hospitals under the first phase. The second phase will see five Linear Accelerator Machines installed in teaching hospitals in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Badulla, Hambantota and Ratnapura. In total, 14 machines will be installed across the country’s Government hospital network.
The first phase involved an investment of US$ 16 million, while the second phase required US$ 13 million, bringing the total project cost to US$ 29 million US.
The agreement was signed between Elekta UK’s Strategic Sales and Marketing Director Kuntal Bhadra and Health and Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe. Elekta UK and its local representative, Siyol International, are responsible for the installation, maintenance and future operations of the advanced equipment.
The project also benefits from the collective expertise and commitment of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists, the Government Medical Physicists’ Association, and the Government Radiology Technologists’ Association.
The event was attended by Deputy Health and Media Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Additional Secretary (Development) Sunil Galagama, Additional Secretary (Public Health) Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga, Additional Secretary (Engineering) Salinda Bandara, Chief Legal Officer A. R. Ahmad and Ramesh Verkot, Radiation Therapy Project Consultant from Siyol International, along with directors, specialists and other stakeholders.
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