Inoperable PET scanners at Apeksha

Delays in importing a vital radioactive substance required for PET scan medical equipment at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama, Sri Lanka, have been attributed to bureaucratic red tape. The delay in registering the newly-appointed local agent by the manufacturer of the radioactive substance has led to the unavailability of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), hindering the use of PET scan units at the hospital for over a month. As a result, patients awaiting PET scan analysis for medical treatment have been affected.

 

 

Apeksha Hospital Director Dr Aruna Jayasekara explained that the hospital had placed orders for the substance one-and-a-half months ago but had yet to receive them. The delay in registration by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has contributed to the situation. The hospital was informed that the chemical would be provided by a specific date. Still, the delivery did not occur as planned.

 

 

PET scans involve injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the body. They are crucial for diagnosing various diseases, including cancer, brain disorders, and heart diseases. FDG, the radioactive substance used in PET scans, is injected into the bloodstream and emits gamma rays that are detected by the PET scanner, generating detailed images of tissue and organ functionality.

 

 

In response to the allegations regarding the delay, NMRA Chief Executive Officer Dr Vijith Gunasekera stated that the manufacturer had changed the local agent for the drug, and the new agent was not registered with the NMRA. Consequently, the registration process was delayed due to the need for proper documentation from the new agent. Dr Gunasekera assured that the NMRA was working to resolve the matter and expected it to be determined by Monday.

 

 

Dr Gunasekera emphasized that FDG is a radioactive substance that decays rapidly, so it must be manufactured, transported to Colombo within a few hours, and transferred to Maharagama before it wears by the evening.

 

 

The delay in registering the new local agent has affected the availability of FDG, hindering PET scan equipment at Apeksha Hospital and impacting patients needing PET scan analysis for their medical conditions.