Radiation: Govt reads hospitals the riot act

The guidelines — framed under Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of

Radio Active Wastes) Rules 1987 and Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules,2004 — were issued by Principal Secretary JP Singh to the heads of hospitals,medical centres,diagnostic centres and medical labs using radioactive equipment.

The guidelines provide detailed description of the steps to be taken in case of medical exposure,potential exposure,personal monitoring and quality control. They also advise that special personnel be appointed to maintain the machines.

“So far,our biggest challenge has been the implementation of guidelines,” said health minister Kiran Walia. “We have put in provision for strict penalties this time to ensure that medical facilities adhere to the norms.”

The guidelines emphasise on the registration of radioactive sources and the posting of a Radiological Safety Officer (RSO) exclusively for the machines and the disposal of radioactive sources.

“Our chief concern is the safe disposal of such items for the safety and security of human life,” said Walia. All hospitals that deal with radioactive waste of any kind will have to follow stringent procedures against any radiation exposure. This needs to be given top priority through an effective process of controls.

“We are insisting on proper maintenance of records of radiological equipment so routine inspections can be held by the competent authority,” said Walia.

As per the guidelines,any radioactive source has to be surrendered to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and cannot be discarded by the hospital with any other waste. Records of waste disposal must be maintained in detail. In case of violation,the medical institution’s licence can be cancelled.

DU changes probe team member
Delhi University has replaced a member of the three-member fact-finding team to look into the negligence of its officials that lead to the sale of the 3,000 kg Gamma Irradiator to scrap dealers in Mayapuri.

Sources in the university said BS Dwarakanath of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Medicine of the Defence Research and Development Organisation has been replaced by Subash Khushu from the same institute. The move comes after allegations were levelled that Dwarakanath was close to VS Parmar,former Head of the Department of Chemistry,who had officiated over the auction.

The university is yet to finalise the mandate for the three-member committee,and it is likely to come into existence officially only on Tuesday. Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental was unavailable for comment.

The university will submit its report to the AERB on Tuesday. It is said to contain the details of radioactive sources used by the various departments and the methods used for their disposal.