THE Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) has named 72 health centres that remain under a closure order from offering radiological services and have been directed to implement remedial measures.
A statement released yesterday by TAEC mentions the centres from 23 regions of Mainland Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, with reasons for closure ranging from operating without a licence, lack of qualified radiographers, defective X-ray machines and collimation problems, among others.
TAEC Head of Public Relations Unit Peter Ngamilo said some of the centres had been partially closed due to lack of storage facilities, lack of proper radioactive materials storage facilities, incomplete X-ray examination rooms, X-ray equipment kV setting problems, inadequate shielding of the door frames and overlaps.
“TAEC is informing members of the public that in its regular inspection as per the report of December 26, 2019, the commission suspended 72 radiation facilities/ centres to offer radiological services due to non-compliance of radiological safety requirements as stipulated in the Atomic Energy Act No 7 of 2003,” said Mr Ngamilo in the statement.
He mentioned other reasons for closure as unsatisfactory premises, occupationally exposed worker not monitored, poor image processing facilities and unqualified operators.
The centres include Kaloleni Health Centre, Kansay Health Centre, Karatu Designated District Hospital, Mong’ola Health Centre, Al-Hilal Polyclinic, Magomeni Health Centre (Dental Unit), Mnazi Mmoja Hospital (Dental Unit – Dar es Salaam), Mselemu Medical Health Centre, Mwananyamala Hospital (Dental Unit) and Mama Ngoma Health Centre.
Others are Sinza Health Centre (Dental Unit), Magereza Dispensary – Ukonga , St Bernard Charitable Hospital, Skol Building Contractor, Sinza Africa Sana, Dar Health Centre, Al-Jumaa Charitable Dispensary, Kinondoni Municipal – Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (Dmdp) – Tarura, Kigamboni Health Centre (Partial Closure) and China Railways Seventh Group.
The following are also on the list: Mlali Rehabilitation Centre, Ilula Lutheran Hospital, Izimbya Health Centre, Ndolage Hospital, Nyakaiga Hospital, Mugana Hospital, Nyakainga Hospital, Ufufuo Hospital, Matyazo Hospital, Bwambo Health Centre, Gonja District Hospital, Kilimanjaro Health Centre, Papri Medical Centre (Moshi) and Regional Dermatology Centre.
Others include Same District Hospital, St Joseph Uchira Dispensary, Usangi District Hospital Rondo Hospital, Sokoine Regional Referral Hospital, Balang’dalalu Health Centre, Gendabi Health Centre, Kibara Mission Hospital, Chunya District Hospital, Matema Lutheran Hospital, Mbarali District Hospital, Holycross Health Centre, Mtibwa Hospital, St Harry Health Centre, Sumve D District Hospital.
Other facilities are Ngudu District Hospital, Misungwi District Hospital, Bulongwa Mission Hospital, Uwemba Hospital, Utete District Hospital, Dr Atman Health, Namanyere D. D. Hospital, St Elizabeth Hospital (Lituhi) and Ruanda Mission Hospital.
The rest are Maganzo Health Centre, Meatu District Hospital, Songambele Hospital, Igalilimi Health Centre, Kolandoto Hospital, Ileje District Hospital, Isoko D District Hospital, Jema Diagnostic Centre, Milambo Military Hospital, Korogwe District Hospital, Pangani District Hospital, St Francis Hospital, Wete Hospital and Pemba Air Port.
“The suspension of these centres is a result of ongoing routine inspection conducted countrywide to ensure adherence to radiological safety requirements as stipulated in the Act and its associated Regulations to protect workers, patients, members of the public and the environment against harmful effects of radiation,” he noted.
TAEC urges all centres offering or using radiological services to ensure they comply with radiological safety requirements and Regulations as stipulated in the Atomic Energy Act No 7 of 2003, including the involvement of TAEC in all stages of radiological services starting from construction of their facilities as per requirements.
