In the rapidly expanding healthcare landscape of Rajarhat, Kolkata, diagnostic centers have become an essential part of clinical decision-making. However, beneath this growth lies a troubling reality that demands urgent attention. A number of scan and diagnostic facilities in the area are operating in clear violation of established radiation safety norms, putting both healthcare workers and patients at significant risk.
One of the most concerning issues is the use of X-ray machines that are neither accredited by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) nor registered under the e-LORA system, which is mandatory for tracking and regulating radiation-emitting equipment in India. Operating such machines without proper authorization is not a minor administrative lapse—it is a serious breach of national safety regulations designed to protect human health.
Equally alarming is the widespread neglect of radiation monitoring protocols. Many centers fail to provide Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) badges to their staff. These badges are critical for tracking cumulative radiation exposure among healthcare workers. Without them, technicians remain unaware of the dose they are receiving daily, increasing their long-term risk of radiation-induced complications such as malignancies, cataracts, and reproductive issues.
The situation is further aggravated by the presence of inadequately trained personnel operating these machines. In several centers, technicians lack formal qualifications or certified training in radiography. This not only compromises the quality of imaging but also significantly increases the likelihood of unnecessary radiation exposure due to improper technique, repeat scans, and poor radiation safety practices.
The cumulative effect of these lapses is a silent but serious occupational hazard. Many healthcare workers are unknowingly subjected to radiation doses that may exceed recommended safety limits. The absence of awareness, combined with regulatory negligence, creates an environment where long-term health risks are both underestimated and unmonitored.
It is imperative that regulatory authorities initiate strict inspections of diagnostic centers in the Rajarhat area. Verification of AERB licensing, e-LORA registration, availability of TLD badges, and proper staff credentials must become non-negotiable standards. Regular audits of radiation dose exposure and enforcement of compliance are no longer optional—they are essential.
Healthcare is built on trust and safety. Allowing such practices to continue unchecked undermines both. Immediate corrective action is not just necessary—it is overdue.
