Health Ministry struggles to replace expired medical equipment

Rs. 67 Bn a must to replace expired medical equipment   

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka has determined that a sum of Rs. 67 billion is a pre-requisite to replace expired medical equipment, Daily Mirror learns.  According to informed sources, the lifetime of these equipment has expired since 2019.  

These equipment, which include CT scans, MRI scans, linear accelerators, ventilators, and anaesthetic machines, have not been replaced since 2019 due to a lack of funds and the prioritization of certain medical equipment during the pandemic.  

Repairing and replacing medical equipment in the government hospital system requires at least Rs 30 billion per year. However, the Health Ministry has been facing a shortage of funds due to the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis.