Madhya Pradesh hospitals skip radiation safety checks for cancer patients

The State Cancer Institute in Jabalpur has raised concerns over the lack of physical checks for medical physicists in Madhya Pradesh. These specialists play a crucial role in controlling radiation during cancer treatment, yet many hospitals—especially private ones—fail to appoint them properly. Under the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), strict rules require hospitals to hire medical physicists for radiation safety. Their job is to monitor and adjust radiation doses in radiotherapy, ensuring patient protection. However, the health department in Madhya Pradesh does not currently verify whether hospitals follow these rules.

Government medical colleges with radiation facilities do carry out regular checks on physicists. But private hospitals often skip these appointments, leaving gaps in safety oversight. The State Cancer Institute has now called for mandatory physical verification across all hospitals to enforce compliance. A proper tracking system is also missing to confirm that radiation safety standards meet the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules. Without it, risks remain in how radiation is managed during cancer care.

The push for physical verification aims to close gaps in radiation safety across Madhya Pradesh. If enforced, it would ensure that both government and private hospitals follow AERB protocols. This could reduce risks for patients undergoing radiotherapy and improve overall treatment standards.