Scientific officers from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board sealed X-ray facility in department of radiology, Regional Institute of Medical Science, Imphal, for violation of Rule 3 of the Atomic energy (radiation protection) rules 2004 under Section 16 & 17 of Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

The three member team who came to inspect radiation generating equipment sealed the X- ray on the ground that authority of RIMS failed to procure license from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The board also issued a warning notice to seal 10 other equipment at RIMS hospital and two other private hospital so that they can comply with the radiation protection rules within a month.

During the inspection on September 25, the team also instructed the X-ray technicians to wear the TLD (Thermoluminescent Dosimeter) badge, a radiation dose measuring device below the lead apron which they wear while handling the X- ray machine. They also found out that the TLD badge were expired and instructed the technicians to renew the badge.

Briefing media at his office, medical superintendent of RIMS, Dr. Ch. Arunkumar Singh expressed confidence that they will be able to procure the license of the equipment which are sealed and others which are notified to be seal within a month.

Most of the machines in the hospital are outdated since there was no stringent norms and inspections earlier he said and added that the head of department of Radiology should be concerned about the invalid TLD badge and absence of door for the X ray room since they are engaged in it, he added.

A nine member committee has been formed to procure the license and do the needful at the earliest said Dr. Arunkumar.

A release from the board stated that activities concerning establishment and utilization of nuclear facilities and use of radioactive sources are to be carried out on accordance with the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act 1962.

In pursuance of the objective of ensuring safety of the members of the public an occupational workers as well as protection of environment, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has been entrusted with the responsibility of framing rules and regulations and implementations of the same, it added.

It also stated that the objective AERB in the field of medical application of radiation is to protect patients, worker and public from any undue radiation hazard and ensure safe operation of the medical equipment emanating X-rays.

Further it said that there are large number of diagnostic X-ray machines installed and operated all over the country without complying regulatory requirements. AERB made many various efforts by means of advertisement, awareness programme, inspections, formation of directorate of Radiation safety at State level and many more.

But, it has been observed that many X-ray facilities are still not coming forward to get their facilities registered/ licensed by AERB. Registering the facilities with AERB and obtaining license is mandatory. For ensuring radiations safety of medical practitioners, operators and patients, it is necessary to obtain the License of AERB for operation of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment stated the release.

Unauthorized use of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment without license of AERB is an offence under the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) rules 2004. As such AERB from time to time is carrying out Special Regulatory Inspection and enforcement actions against those facilities which are violating the Atom energy (Radiation Protection) rules 2004, it added.