An MRI machine installed at the Outpatient Department building of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka has been out of service since 3 March, a hospital spokesperson said.

The scanner, which had been allocated primarily for patients injured in accidents and those scheduled to undergo neurosurgery, has been unavailable, causing significant difficulties for patients requiring urgent diagnostic tests.

According to the spokesperson, more than 25 MRI scans had been conducted daily using this machine. However, with the equipment now out of service, examinations for these patients have been completely halted.

In addition to this machine, two other MRI scanners are currently in operation at the National Hospital for patient examinations.

Patients who had already been scheduled for MRI scans are now being sent home without undergoing the tests. Hospital authorities have informed them that examinations cannot be carried out due to the breakdown of the machine.

Reports indicate that patients who seek MRI scans from private hospitals are required to spend between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 120,000 per examination.