Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa Lodges Bribery Commission Complaint Over Inoperative Cancer Radiation Machines and Hospital Equipment

Specialist Medical Officer Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa has lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), raising concerns over several issues affecting the country's public healthcare system, including the breakdown of cancer radiation machines and the procurement of outdated medical equipment.

Speaking to the media following the complaint, Dr. Sanjeewa highlighted several concerns regarding the availability and functionality of essential diagnostic and treatment equipment in government hospitals.

He claimed that three cancer radiation machines imported for the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama during former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella's tenure had become inoperative, raising serious concerns about the availability of cancer treatment facilities.

He also alleged that authorities were preparing to purchase a cancer radiation machine based on a model that was approximately 17 years old for both Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama and Karapitiya Hospital.

Dr. Sanjeewa further warned that cancer diagnostic services in five hospitals had been severely disrupted, potentially affecting the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients.

He also raised concerns over limitations in MRI scanning services at Colombo and Karapitiya hospitals, warning that restricted access to these essential investigations could place patients' lives at risk.

He called for attention to be given to the alleged equipment failures, procurement decisions and limitations in diagnostic services, emphasising the need to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate medical care.