A total of 11 advanced CT scanners have been introduced to the hospital system at a cost of Rs. 1,950 million, in a move aimed at strengthening diagnostic services for conditions including stroke, cancer and heart disease, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media stated.

The Ministry said the programme is being implemented under the guidance of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa as part of broader efforts to modernise and expand healthcare infrastructure and improve service quality.

Priority has been given to upgrading and expanding CT (Computed Tomography) scanning facilities across hospitals nationwide, with the distribution and installation of new equipment already underway.

As part of the initiative, a 128-slice CT scanner worth over Rs. 200 million has been installed at the Kalutara Teaching Hospital, while a CT scanner valued at Rs. 160 million has been installed at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital by the Ministry’s Biomedical Engineering Services.

With assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), four additional CT scanners worth around Rs. 640 million have been provided to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Kandy National Hospital, Galle National Hospital, and Colombo South Teaching Hospital. Installation work is currently in progress.

In addition, procurement is underway for CT scanners worth Rs. 950 million for the Kuliyapitiya Teaching Hospital and several district general hospitals, including Dambulla, Nawalapitiya, Chilaw, and Mannar.

The Ministry said many government hospitals have traditionally used 16-slice CT scanners, but these are now being upgraded to more advanced 64-slice and 128-slice systems to improve image quality and speed of diagnosis.

Officials said the new equipment will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of strokes, trauma cases, cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and other emergencies.

The programme also covers provincial hospitals, ensuring access to advanced diagnostic services outside major urban centres.