SAFEGUARDING LIVES THROUGH RADIATION SAFETY: THE NNRA’S MEDICAL APPLICATION SAFETY DEPARTMENT

SAFEGUARDING LIVES THROUGH RADIATION SAFETY: THE NNRA’S MEDICAL APPLICATION SAFETY DEPARTMENT

At an in-house seminar, Mrs. Fatima Ige, General Manager of the Medical Application Safety Department at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), highlighted the department’s vital role in ensuring the safe use of radiation in medical practice. She explained that the department reviews documentation from medical facilities using radiation sources to ensure compliance with NNRA regulations.

Beyond document reviews, the department also conducts pre-authorization inspections to verify that facilities meet safety standards before approval. These measures help protect patients, healthcare workers, and the public from radiation risks, in line with the NNRA’s mission.

In 2024, the department recommended 329 facilities for authorization: 306 in diagnostic and interventional radiology, 15 in radiotherapy, and 8 in nuclear medicine, underscoring its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in healthcare.