A state-of-the-art MRI machine featuring artificial intelligence technology joined the Sri Lankan government hospital system for the first time. Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa inaugurated the equipment at the National Hospital of Colombo this afternoon (09) for patient care services.

The Ministry of Health stated that this advanced machine, installed at a cost of over 450 million rupees, aims to streamline and expedite testing for patients in the emergency and neurosurgery units. This installation marks the first time a government hospital in the country has utilised such high-tech AI equipment.

Previously, patients faced significant difficulties when all three existing MRI machines at the National Hospital failed intermittently. Following the appointment of the new government, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni intervened directly to restore those three machines. The Ministry noted that with this new addition, the National Hospital now operates four active MRI scanners.