### Sri Lanka Achieves Local Production of Cancer-Detecting Drug 📈

Sri Lanka has officially commenced the domestic manufacturing of Fluoro Deoxy Glucose (FDG), a critical radiopharmaceutical for PET scans, marking a major milestone in medical self-reliance and the healthcare sector. • Facility & Investment The project is a public-private partnership involving a total investment of US$ 6.875 Mn. The facility, located in the Katunayake BOI zone, is managed by Access Medical Tracers (60%), Access International (20%), the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (10%), and the Ministry of Health (10%). • Economic Impact • Cost Reduction: Local production is expected to slash the cost per patient dose from approximately Rs. 54,000 (imported) to roughly Rs. 14,000. • Forex Savings: Eliminates the high cost of importing isotopes from India, reducing foreign exchange outflow. • Clinical Benefits • Diagnostic Accuracy: Previously, nearly 97% of FDG's active potency was lost during transit from India due to its short half-life. Local production ensures high-potency supply and more accurate results. • Capacity Building: Facilitates timely PET scans as cancer cases are projected to rise 23% annually by 2030. • Strategic Outlook The venture strengthens Sri Lanka’s advanced medical technology capacity and holds export potential to neighboring markets like the Maldives.