• Blames delays in tech. recomms. from Health Min. units, approvals by NMRA
• Wants Prez to probe any vested pvt. sector interests 

The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) organisation claimed that although the Treasury and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have allocated funds and signed agreements to purchase advanced cancer radiation therapy machines, the process has been stalled by delays in technical recommendations from Health Ministry units and delays in the approval of some equipment by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the MCPA President, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that the procurement of these cancer treatment machines has faced repeated setbacks since the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, with the former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta also accused of stalling the process.

In an attempt to speed up the initiative, he said that a group of oncologists held discussions with the current Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, and worked towards finalising the relevant agreements. “However, the relevant units within the ministry have still failed to move the process forward. This situation has placed the ADB-backed project at risk. Further delays could result in Sri Lanka losing the funds allocated for the machines.”

“Tenders are also scheduled to be called for the purchase of new models of existing cancer radiation therapy machines through allocations from the Treasury. But, the NMRA has not granted approval for the new models either. When advanced treatment facilities are not available in the Government sector due to reasons like this, patients are forced to seek treatment at extremely high costs. The President should look into whether these delays are being influenced by vested interests in the private sector,” Dr. Sanjeewa added.

Attempts to contact the Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Dr. Jasinghe, and the NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama proved futile.