Kandy National Hospital Receives LKR 570 Million in Advanced Medical Equipment

The Kandy National Hospital has strengthened its capacity to provide specialised healthcare with the integration of three advanced medical equipment systems valued at LKR 570 million.

The new equipment was officially inaugurated under the patronage of Health and Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, together with Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni. The upgrade was funded through the Health System Enhancement Project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Among the major additions is the hospital’s second CT scanner, dedicated specifically to oncology and radiation therapy services. The facility has also received a second Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), which is expected to help reduce waiting times for patients requiring critical cardiovascular procedures.

In addition, the hospital has received one of Sri Lanka’s five highest-grade modern digital mammography units, strengthening its capacity for the early detection of breast cancer.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Jayatissa highlighted the significant patient population and long waiting lists currently faced by Kandy National Hospital. He noted that development projects worth approximately LKR 8 billion are currently underway at the hospital to address growing demand.

These projects include the construction of dedicated multi-storey facilities for cancer care and emergency treatment, funded through direct allocations from the Ministry of Health.

The minister also outlined a broader national strategy to decentralise specialised healthcare services. Under the plan, the Ministry of Health aims to establish 16 fully functional Cath Lab units across regional hospitals within the year.

The expansion is intended to make critical cardiac care more accessible closer to patients’ homes while reducing pressure on major tertiary referral hospitals such as Kandy National Hospital.

The new diagnostic and treatment infrastructure is expected to improve access to specialised services, enhance diagnostic capabilities and support faster treatment for patients across the Central Province and surrounding regions.