One of the two cardiac catheterization machines installed in the Kandy National Hospital has completely broken down since last 06.
The Government Association of Radiology Technologists points out that the lives of about 8,000 patients who are waiting on the waiting list to diagnose and treat heart disease have been put at risk because of this.
Cardiac Catheterization Unit performs many diagnostics and treatments including detection of blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, performing stent treatments for the same, and diagnosis and treatment of heart holes.
14 cardiac catheterization machines used for that purpose have been established in 11 hospitals across the island, of which 2 are at the Kandy National Hospital.
However, the machine which was established in 2006 has completely broken down since last 06.
Also, the cooling system of the building where the 2 state-of-the-art machines that treat cancer patients installed in the radiation treatment unit of the Kandy National Hospital has been out of order since November last year, and it has not been repaired even after 6 months, the Government Radiology Technologists Association points out.
