Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Fight Cancer Trust Sri Lanka announced at a media briefing held on August 15 that it has raised over Rs 200 million for its Panadena 50 project, which aims to acquire a state-of-the-art CT Simulator for Apeksha Cancer Hospital. The CT Simulator is a cutting-edge medical device that can be used to plan and deliver radiation therapy. The Panadena 50 project is a symbol of hope for cancer patients in Sri Lanka.  

“First of all we are going to allocate this fund to buy a CT Simulator machine,” Apeksha Hospital Director Dr Aruna Jayasekara said at the media briefing. 
CT Simulator is different from a CT Scanner, although they are both related to medical imaging technology.  CT Scanner (Computed Tomography Scanner) a scanner,  is a medical imaging device that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT Simulator on the other hand is a specific type of CT Scanner used primarily in radiation oncology. It is used for treatment planning in radiation therapy for cancer patients.  
“Also we have plans to find a separate building as well to place this machine. We are going to allocate money to build this building. I like to thank all the donors in the country who are involved in this project,” Dr Jayasekara said.

Also we have plans to find a separate building as well to place this machine. We are going to allocate money to build this building. I like to thank all the donors in the country who are involved in this project - Dr Jayasekara

The founder of the Fight Cancer Trust M.S.H. Mohomed expressed his gratitude.
“Last week we discussed with the Health Minister, Secretary of Health and other officials. As a result of the discussions, we decided to donate Rs 210 million to buy a CT Simulator and a building to place this machine. Also as a follow-up to special requests made we decided to allocate money to provide electricity to the X-ray unit at Apeksha Hospital. 
“Our donors have golden hearts. They supported us with their best efforts. We as a trust help cancer patients personally. During the Covid-19 period we donated ventilators to several hospitals in Kalutara and Kalubowila,” Mohomed said.

Around 2,000 cancer patients are undergoing treatment at this  hospital. To my knowledge per day, 82 cancer patients are getting  admitted to the hospital. It is sad to tell you that each day around 45  cancer patients in Sri Lanka die

Mr Mohomed recalled memories of his son who was treated at Apeksha Hospital. He said that this hospital is facing so many difficulties.
“I am not complaining. With the three years spent with my son at this hospital, I must tell that I learned of the many difficulties at this hospital. There are areas that need to be focused on for improvement to be made. So many parents are going abroad to treat their children. There are no MRI Scanners at the hospital. 

Our donors have golden hearts. They supported us with their best efforts - M.S.H. Mohomed

“Within those three years, I observed the hospital very keenly. This is the only national cancer hospital in the country. We as a team informed the public too. We have a few aims as a team. Our slogan is to make Apeksha Hospital the best cancer hospital in South Asia. 
“Around 2,000 cancer patients are undergoing treatment at this hospital. To my knowledge per day, 82 cancer patients are getting admitted to the hospital. It is sad to tell you that each day around 45 cancer patients in Sri Lanka die,” Mohomed added.