GDMC radiology dept machines sealed by AERB

DAINIK NATION NATION

Strange but true that Atomic Energy Ragulatory Board (AERB) has sealed the machines of the radiology department of Government doon Medical college (GDMC)because the were not following the radiation safety norms. they have sealed two X-ray and one mammography machines and pasted warning of seizing CT scan, digital X-ray and Ultra sound machine if necessary safety measures are not adopted within a month.

The team led by RK Singh and other members including Manju Saini, BK Singh, Rajshree Pai, LM Sharma and Ajit Singh made surprise visit to radiology department of the hospital. Although hospital administration failed to give satisfactory answer of their query. They were surprised to know that all the machines were operational without having proper registration. All of the machines were outdated and were hazardous for both the patients and staffs. During raid they found that neither technician nor doctor were wearing the mandatory Thermo Luminescent Dosimeter (TLD) badge used for measuring ionising radiation exposure. When they were asked then they said that they were not aware about any such device.

Singh said that the GDMC had applied for registration of AERB in 2015-16 but after that it did nothing. The no X-ray machine operator was found wearing necessary Lead apron and no Quality Assurance (QA) measures were found taken by the department.

These rays have negative effect on the body especially pituitary gland in particular is most susceptible to the radiations. Prima facie every equipment of the department looked dangerous. In view of the heavy patient flow and the problem it may cause to them we are letting off the department with a warning for some of the important machines. GDMC has been given one month time to enforce all the necessary measures in place otherwise we will have no option but to seal all the machines.

Taking to the www.dainiknation.com GDMC Principal Dr PB Gupta said that the State health department did not get clearances when these machines were being installed. During transformation of hospital to medical college, the registration process was initiated and AERB visit is part of that. Meanwhile he also said that only non working machines were sealed and has given notice of one month to take mandatory clearance. We have initiated the process for the renewal of the permission.