Radiation treatments at the cancer unit of the Galle National Hospital in Karapitiya are facing a standstill after the Linear Accelerator device at the unit has been out of order since April 23.

According to the Government Radiological Technologists Association (GRTA) President – Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the malfunction is due to a malfunctioning of the Chiller established at the unit.  Linear accelerators and chillers are often used together in medical settings, particularly for radiation therapy. Chillers help maintain the optimal temperature for the linear accelerator, which is crucial for its operation and the accuracy of treatments. The cost of such a Chiller is nearly Rs.800 million, reports say.

Due to this being the only Linear Accelerator device in the Southern Province, a large number of patients are seriously affected.

There are 10 Linear Accelerator devices in hospitals in Sri Lanka. There are 05 in Apeksha Hospital, 02 at Kandy Hospital, and one each at the Galle Hospital, Jaffna Hospital and Batticaloa Hospital.

The GRTA points out that 04 out of these 10 Linear Accelerators are currently out of order with the main reason being the improper maintenance of temperature and humidity conditions in the units the devices are housed in.

The GRTA warns that frequent breakdowns caused by poor maintenance of environmental controls, have shortened the machines’ lifespan and led to repeated treatment disruptions.
The association warns that continued neglect of repairs will jeopardize both the machines’ longevity and the ability to provide uninterrupted treatment for patients.

Ongoing machine failures are causing further delays, forcing cancer patients to wait several months for radiation treatment.

Private sector treatment for cancer patients could cost between Rs.500,000 and Rs.1.7 million, an amount beyond the reach of most Sri Lankans.