HÀ NỘI — The health departments of 63 cities and provinces have been ordered to quickly conduct a review and check on X-ray equipment and equipment used in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.

The order was issued by the Ministry of Health.

The request came after local press reported the use of X-ray machines, X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines in HCM City which failed to meet the safety standards of radiation, causing panic among patients.

As reported, the Hoà Hảo Medic Medical Centre, which is located in HCM City’s District 10, installed the magnetic resonance imaging machines and other kinds of scanners right next to the wall of local residents’ houses. Local press claimed the distance was some 1.5 metres.

Many private health clinics in the city also reportedly used unlicensed X-ray machines, posing health risks to the people living nearby. A private health clinic in District 12’s Đông Hưng Thuận Ward was cited as an example.

In response to the people’s concerns, the ministry asked the director of the city’s Health Department to check the management and use of radiation devices, radiotherapy sources and medical equipment using nuclear medicine in the city.

For the two cases of violation reported by the local press recently, the department must report the incident and propose penalties to the ministry before June 14.

The ministry also asked the departments of health in other cities and provinces to strengthen measures to inspect health clinics that use similar devices. Violations must be reported to ensure the safety of people.

Under the ministry’s regulations, X-ray equipment must be inspected once a year by authorised agencies appointed by the Ministry of Science and Technology. In case these machines are placed in residential areas, they must meet the conditions of radiation shielding to ensure the safety of people nearby. — VNS