A CT scanner worth Rs. 200 million has replaced the 17-year-old CT scanner at the Matara General Hospital. Additionally, Rs. 20 million has been allocated for minor development works at the hospital, with a future commitment of Rs. 1 billion slated for next year to support the construction of a new hospital facility.
The installation ceremony for the new CT scanner was held under the guidance of Health and Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, and Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala on Saturday (4). Provided by the Health Ministry, this advanced CT scanner is expected to perform 40 to 50 scans per day, with the potential for increased capacity in the future. This enhancement will significantly reduce the waiting times for CT scans.
Previously, the old CT scanner, which was about 17 years old, managed about 50 scans per day using parts salvaged from hospitals in Batticaloa and Anuradhapura over the past two years.
During his visit, the Health Minister inspected ongoing development projects at the hospital and later attended a progress review meeting regarding current treatment services. He mentioned that since assuming office, he has visited about 40 hospitals and observed the services provided. He announced an allocation of Rs. 35 million for minor development works at Matara District General Hospital for 2024, with an additional Rs. 20 million earmarked for this year. Rs. 1 billion will be committed for the expansion of the new hospital next year. The Minister emphasised the importance of regular monitoring of the development activities funded by these allocations. He also pledged to address the urgent need for essential medical equipment and to mitigate the shortage of specialist doctors, general physicians, and nursing staff.
Matara District General Hospital occupies an eight-acre site, with a bed capacity of 851. It comprises 32 wards and patient units.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Hospital Director A. D. U. Karunaratne, Deputy DG (Bio Medicine) Janapriya Karunathilaka, and a group of hospital staff, including specialists, doctors, and nurses attended.
