NNRA Moves to Strengthen Radiation Safety Oversight in Medical Facilities
The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) has held a seminar on the review and assessment of medical applications to strengthen regulatory oversight of healthcare facilities that use ionising radiation.
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The seminar focused on procedures for evaluating applications for authorisation in diagnostic and interventional radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine to ensure compliance with established safety standards.
A presentation delivered by Ubong E. Effiong examined the administrative and technical requirements for assessing applications before authorisation is granted to medical facilities.
The seminar highlighted the importance of verifying radiation protection measures, personnel competence, equipment adequacy and safety systems to ensure that potential radiation risks are properly controlled.
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It explained that the assessment process, guided by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of 1995 and relevant regulations, helps identify deficiencies and determine whether medical facilities meet the requirements for safe use of ionising radiation.
Participants identified several challenges affecting the authorisation process, including gaps in technical expertise, limited knowledge of medical practices and the absence of an automated system for processing applications.
To address these challenges, the seminar recommended sustained in-house training, capacity building and regulatory attachments to improve staff expertise and strengthen the assessment process.
It also proposed the development of an Electronic Authorisation Management System (EAMS) to automate procedures, improve efficiency and enhance the management of medical authorisation applications.
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The recommendations are expected to strengthen the NNRA’s regulatory capacity and ensure that medical facilities using ionising radiation comply with applicable safety requirements.
The authority’s regulatory oversight is aimed at protecting lives, public health, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.