Madhya Pradesh's cancer care crisis exposes radiation safety failures

Cancer treatment in Madhya Pradesh faces serious safety concerns over radiation control. Private hospitals often lack qualified medical physicists, who are essential for managing radiation doses. The State Cancer Institute in Jabalpur has now raised alarms about the issue and called for stricter checks. Medical physicists play a key role in ensuring safe radiation levels during cancer treatment. Yet, in many private hospitals across Madhya Pradesh, doctors and paramedical staff handle radiation systems without their oversight. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) requires these specialists to be present, but enforcement remains weak.

The State Cancer Institute has demanded physical verification of medical physicists in all radiotherapy centres. Currently, government medical colleges follow this rule, conducting regular checks where radiation systems operate. However, private hospitals rarely comply, and the health department has not carried out proper inspections. A robust safety compliance tracking system is missing. Without one, hospitals cannot guarantee adherence to the Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules. Experts warn that without routine verification, radiation risks in cancer treatment could go unchecked.

The State Cancer Institute’s demand highlights a critical gap in radiation safety. If physical verification of medical physicists is enforced, private hospitals will have to meet the same standards as government facilities. This could reduce risks and ensure safer cancer treatment across Madhya Pradesh.