ANGIOGRAM MACHINE OF THE MAIN X’RAY UNIT NEEDS REPAIRS

EVEN THOUGH TENDERS HAD BEEN CALLED TO REPAIR THE MACHINE, DISPUTES BETWEEN SUPPLIERS HAD HALTED THE PROCESS

The DSA (Digital Substractive Angiogram) machine of the main X-ray unit at Colombo National Hospital has remained idle since it became inoperative in 2016, the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union said.

The machine provided the service of testing patients for issues which previously could only be found through surgeries. The union said that with the use of the machine, several patients were treated for serious conditions without the added stress of going through surgery.

Even though tenders had been called to repair the machine, disputes between suppliers had halted the process in 2016 and once again this year too when tenders were called.

“Under these circumstances thousands of vascular disease patients seeking treatment at the Colombo National Hospital are experiencing immense difficulties due to the restrictions on the number of surgeries performed,” the union said in a statement.

This situation has ensued that many patients visiting the hospital from various parts of the country continue to be inconvenienced with some conditions worsening over time.

There are two more DSA machines available at other X Ray units of CNH. But according to the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union they are not capable of serving all the patients who seek treatment for various diseases.

While there are many expert radiologists and other equipment needed for the vascular disease conditions at CNP, the lethargic attitude of the officials make patients to seek treatment at private institutions spending thousands of rupees.

The Union has stressed the need for prompt repairs to the DSA machine at CNH.