The angiogram machine at Galle National Hospital, used to detect heart valve blockages, has been out of service for about a month, putting heart patients at serious risk.

Patients and their relatives express concern that those requiring urgent tests face life-threatening delays, with new appointments reportedly being scheduled for next year. Many patients who had already received test dates have been unable to undergo the procedure due to the machine’s malfunction.

Given the high costs of angiograms in private hospitals, patients are urging authorities to repair the machine immediately and ensure access to life-saving tests at Galle National Hospital.

The issue affects not only patients from Galle, Matara, and Hambantota but also those from other provinces. Meanwhile, hospital health officials stress that a single machine is insufficient to meet the growing demand. They emphasize the urgent need for a second, modern angiogram machine to reduce congestion and improve services.