Digital x-ray system in state hospitals soon

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry is considering introducing the digital x-ray system in state hospitals. Discussions are on in connection with introducing the digital x-ray system, replacing the film x-ray system, a ministry spokesman said.

"The digital x-ray system has advantages such as not using films, possibility of transferring the x-ray from a computer to another, possibility of producing copies for patients and requirement of small storage facility. Once purchased, digital x-ray machines can be used for a long time. Considering these advantages, the ministry is considering the possibility of replacing existing film x-ray system with digital x-ray system on the direction of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena," he added.

The spokesman said the shortage of large x-ray films is over and x-ray films for the next one and half months are available in state hospitals.

"The shortage of x-ray films occurred because the suppliers who obtained tenders to supply x-ray films, did not supply the required amount of x-ray films on time," he said.

"The suppliers could not continue to supply as promised, because foreign companies do not produce enough x-ray films due to a low demand. All developed countries use the digital x-ray system and there isn't much demand for x-ray films. Only Third World countries use x-ray films now," the spokesman said.

Under developed countries cannot afford the digital x-ray system because it is very expensive, he said.