Government hospitals suspend PET scans amid shortage of FDG supply

PET scan services for cancer patients have been temporarily suspended at several major government hospitals, including the Apeksha Hospital Maharagama and the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, since March 27, according to the Government Radiological Technologists’ Association.

The association stated that the interruption is the result of a shortage of Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a key radioactive tracer required for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans used in cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. FDG had previously been imported from India to support diagnostic services in Sri Lanka’s public health system.

However, supplies have now been halted after complications arose regarding the importer’s registration status with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). This regulatory issue has disrupted the supply chain, directly affecting the availability of PET scan services across state hospitals.

Healthcare professionals warn that the suspension could delay critical cancer diagnoses and treatment decisions, as PET scans play an important role in detecting the spread and progression of cancer. Efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the supply issue and restore services as soon as possible.