New Delhi: The Atomic Energy Regulatory
Board has not given its clearance to a Delhi hospital despite
repeated reminders and the facility is using diagnostic
equipment containing radioactive materials.
Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, which
specialises in mental healthcare of patients in northern
India, is yet to get an AERB Licence of Computed Tomography
(CT) unit that is already functioning there.
The 350-bedded hospital handles 1,200 patients daily.
Dr Zainab Zaidi, assistant director of National
Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers,
QCI, said, "Their CT scan facility is functioning without the
licence of CT unit from AERB. As per government of India rules
it is mandatory to register the Radiology and Imaging Centre
like CT scanners with Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for
radiological safety and radiation protection of occupational
workers, patients and public at large.
"This came to light when the hospital approached us for
the NABH accreditation. We found that AERB for CT scan is
pending as the facility is not yet inspected by the authority
concerned. This despite the hospital having requested them to
conduct the inspection of their CT scan facility."
Dr Nimesh G Desai, director of IBHAS, said, "It is over a
month's time we had sent a request to AERB to come and check
our CT scan facility and give us accreditation. We have not
heard from them yet. Earlier they had pointed that we appoint
a Radiation Safety Officer. We did that and got back to them
immediately for accreditation and its over a month, their
inspectors are yet to come and check."
Despite repeated attempts, AERB officials were not
available for comments.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 19, 2011, 20:26