AERB signs MOU with Odisha

"Due to tremendous increase in medical diagnostic installations using medical x-rays in the country, a decision was taken to decentralize the regulation of these units," Odisha Health Secretary P K Mohapatra said after signing the MoU.

While only Kerala and Mizoram have the DRS, MoU has been signed in seven other states like Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh , Gujarat and Maharastra. Odisha is the 10th state wishing to set up a DRS.

"The mission of AERB is to ensure that the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not cause undue risk to health and environment," its secretary R Bhattacharya said.

Bhattacharya informed that as per a survey conducted during the 1990s there were around 30,000 X-ray units and now there are more than 50,000 of them. Every year around one thousand X-ray units are being added to the existing facility.

Though the state government is authorized to inspect and ensure the regulations of such units it was not found to be sufficient.

For the time being DMET (director, medical education and training) will function as Director of Radiation Safety and additional man power as required will be created in future with due approval of the government, Mohapatra said.