A large number of X-ray facilities operating across the country have not obtained the necessary regulatory authorisation. The state-wise break up of X-ray facilities under operation without authorisation is presently not available because there has been an accelerated growth in the number of diagnostic X-ray units/facilities across the country.
Although the radiation hazard involved in X-ray facilities is generally very low, in addition to rationalising regulations for users in diagnostic X-ray practice, AERB has taken the following measures to bring such units under radiation safety certification of AERB:
i. For establishing a more effective regulatory set-up for X-ray units, AERB has been pursuing with State Governments for formation of state level Directorates of Radiation Safety (DRS) under the Health & Family Welfare Department of the respective State governments. AERB has signed MoUs with eleven States (Kerala, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh), of which DRS in Kerala and in Mizoram are already functioning.
ii. AERB has decentralised its regulatory functions through the establishment of Regional Regulatory Centers (RRC). Presently, the Southern RRC and Eastern RRC are functional.
iii. AERB has recently developed and launched an electronic web-based e-governance system (e-Licensing of Radiation Applications, e-LORA) for the user to enable easy filing of applications and issuance of Licence/ Registration for faster and on-line processing of licensing applications.
iv. AERB has enhanced regulatory control on manufacturer/supplier by issuance of Licence/Authorisation. It is a statutory requirement for these stakeholders to guide their customers to obtain AERB license to operate their X-ray equipment.
v. Periodically advertisements are published in the print media as well as on AERB website advising users to buy AERB design approved (type approved) equipment and to obtain the requisite Licence/Registration for operation, from AERB.
Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prim Minister’s Office Shri V.Narayansamy gave this information in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.
