Medical care and radiation dose

As per the reports published in the literature, the medical component of the per capita annual dose received by Indian population (1.93% of the annual dose) is much lower than the same received by the population from developed countries (11 to 14%). May be, the medical care aspect in India is not up to the level desired, but, the definitely the over-treatment or un-necessary use of diagnostic tools, like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs is not desirable.

The radiation exposures from man-made sources contribute only 0.4% (India) and 0.6% (world) to the average annual public dose.

The data brings to the focus that after natural radiation component (89% - world and 98% - India), medical care contributes maximum to the exposure of the public to radiation. Thus, over-treatment as practiced by the western world is not desirable. The physician should take a wise decision with respect to: the desirability of sending a patient for a scan or can the scan be avoided or can an alternate technique without radiation exposure can be recommended for diagnosis.

The use of radiation for the treatment of cancers is well known. However, indiscriminate use radiation can also induce cancer in healthy cells. Optimization of radiation dose should be the “mantra” in controlling medical exposures of patients.