The government has spent over Rs. 450 million to install the new equipment, marking the first time such a highly advanced AI-enabled MRI machine has been installed in a government hospital in Sri Lanka.
The new MRI scanner has been introduced to improve treatment services, particularly for the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit and the Neurosurgery Department.
Previously, patients faced difficulties receiving MRI scans as the three existing MRI machines at the National Hospital frequently became inactive due to technical issues.
Following the new government’s appointment, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni paid special attention to the matter. After investigating the recurring breakdowns and providing necessary guidance, all three MRI machines at the hospital have now been restored and are currently operating.
In addition to those three machines, the newly installed state-of-the-art AI-powered MRI scanner has now been added to further strengthen diagnostic services.
The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Specialist Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe, Director of the Accident and Emergency and Neurosurgery Units, Specialist Dr. Indika Jagoda, along with several specialist doctors, medical officers, and nursing staff.
