Madhya Pradesh urged to tighten oversight of medical physicists in cancer care

The State Cancer Institute in Jabalpur has called for stricter checks on medical physicists in Madhya Pradesh. These professionals play a key role in controlling radiation during cancer treatment. Currently, private hospitals often lack qualified staff, raising concerns over patient safety and compliance with regulations. Under the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) sets strict guidelines for appointing medical physicists. Their job is to oversee radiation doses in cancer therapy, ensuring both safety and accuracy. Yet, in many private hospitals across Madhya Pradesh, doctors and paramedical staff handle these duties instead.

Government-run medical colleges already conduct regular verification of medical physicists where radiation systems operate. However, the health department has not extended these checks to private hospitals. The State Cancer Institute now insists on physical verification to confirm that radiation equipment is managed correctly. Experts argue that a dedicated safety compliance tracking system is essential. Such a system would monitor adherence to radiation safety standards and prevent potential risks in treatment.

The push for verification aims to close gaps in radiation safety across Madhya Pradesh. Without qualified medical physicists, private hospitals risk improper radiation control. Implementing stricter oversight could improve treatment standards and protect patients from avoidable harm.