Sri Lanka, Nov. 9 -- Two cancer radiotherapy machines installed at the Badulla and Hambantota hospitals remain unused despite being ready to commence treatment leaving cancer patients facing further delays.

According to the Government Radiographers' Association, the machines could begin treating patients, but services had been held up over the unavailability of dosimetry equipment.

The two machines are among five Linear Accelerator machines procured for government hospitals following years of delays, at a cost exceeding Rs. 600 million each.

Establishing a complete radiotherapy unit at each hospital is estimated to cost over Rs. 1 billion.

Installation of the Badulla machine was completed in April, while the Hambantota installation w...