Federal Liberal Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey hopes that new tenders can be sought to buy the much-needed machine for the area.

“The machine is important. It is not just about Port Augusta. It is the whole area that will benefit from this,” he said.

“The catchment area is probably about 50,000 people who will save a significant amount on travel.”

According to Mr Ramsey, the government had extended the tendering period four times with no offers meeting the minimum requirements.

“Why would they continue the tendering process that many times?” he asked.

He has contacted Health Minister Nicola Roxon about the issue.

“I have asked for a speedy resolution and am waiting for a reply from the Minister to see where we go next,” he said.

Mayor Brenton Vanstone, along with mayors from Port Augusta and Port Lincoln and State Health Minister John Hill, have appealed to the government to call tenders again.

Many health professionals have joined the fight.