The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has signed MOUs relating to setting up of Directorate of Radiation Safety (DRS) with the States of Kerala (1999), Madhya Pradesh (2010), Tamil Nadu (2010), Mizoram (2011), Punjab (2011), Chhattisgarh (2012), Gujarat (2012), Himachal Pradesh (2012), Maharashtra (2013) and Odisha (2013).
The objective underlying the setting-up of the State-level DRS is to strengthen the safety regulatory control over medical diagnostic X-ray facilities in view of the large number of diagnostic X-ray units/facilities spread across the country and the accelerated growth in their numbers. The terms and conditions of the MoU call for the State Government to set up a DRS with required staff with specified designations and academic and professional qualifications. The DRS is responsible for pursuing with the medical X-ray installations registration/renewal with AERB; verifying the conditions stipulated by AERB before registration/renewal of registration; sending information to AERB about inspections of diagnostic X-ray installations in the State on a quarterly basis; organising public awareness programmes on radiation safety etc.
The MoUs between AERB and the State Governments provide for in the Directorate of Radiation Safety a Director, Radiation Safety Inspectors, Technical Assistants and support staff. The State Government will determine the required numbers of Radiation Safety Inspectors, Technical Assistants and support staff. With formation of State-level Directorate of Radiation Safety, including in the states of Gujarat and Odisha, the users of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment will benefit from safe operation of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment from the radiological safety perspective.
The Minister of State in the ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister™s Office Shri V. Narayanasamy Gave this information in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.
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