In a recent website update dated 8th January 2019, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (“AERB”), has informed about the shut-down of operations of some of the medical diagnostic X-Ray machines at different cities in Kerala owing to not complying with radiation safety requirements.
The medical diagnostic X-ray machines are supposed to operate in accordance with the provisions of Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 (“Rules”) and comply with radiation safety and regulatory requirements. A Licence also needs to be obtained for their operation from the AERB through a web- based e-licensing system (e-LORA) and AERB also does not charge any fees for obtaining the requisite Licence. Owners of medical diagnostic X-ray facilities in the country, are advised to immediately obtain valid Licence from AERB by filing an application through AERB’s internet-based e-licensing system.
The AERB, to ensure compliance, carried out surprise inspections during December, 2018, and inspected 79 X-ray facilities (both government and private institutions) in major districts in Kerala. Pursuant to the inspection, AERB has sealed X-ray machines in eight institutions, which were found non-compliant to the said Rules.
Twenty Nine institutions have been issued with warnings and instructions to comply with the AERB norms and safety requirements within 30 days.
Source: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
