The medical X-ray equipment of private clinics, being ionizing radiation generating units, are required to be /registered with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). MRI and Ultrasound units are not emitting ionizing radiation and are therefore not required to be registered with AERB.
Licence/registration of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment is issued by AERB after verifying compliance requirements such as availability of Site and Approval, Qualified Personnel, Type Approval of X-ray equipment and other safety specific requirements as per AERB Safety Code for Medical Diagnostic X-ray Equipment and Installations.
There are several stake holders in the field of diagnostic radiology. AERB issues Type Approval certificate in regard to design safety to manufacturers and suppliers. The utilities /registered by AERB purchase only the Type Approved equipment and comply with other requirements as prescribed in the Safety Code for Medical Diagnostic X-ray Equipment and Installations. The process ensures adequate safety from radiation for the users during the operation of the equipment.
In respect of the manufacturers and suppliers the Type Approval process ensures that safety is built into the design of the equipment. As regards the utilities, review of applications submitted by them is carried out by AERB to ascertain compliance with the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, 2004 for ensuring radiation safety in the diagnostic facilities. In view of the low hazard potential, regulatory inspections are carried out on sample basis.
The number of inspections carried out in diagnostic X-ray facilities during the last three years and in the current year (including by the Directorates of Radiation Safety in the States of Kerala and Mizoram) are given below:
V. Gave this information in reply to a written question in the today.