Study Calls for Greater Radiation Safety in Medical Diagnosis

Addis Ababa, August 18, 2026 (ENA) —Greater attention should be given to the safety of patients and medical professionals when radiation technology is used for medical diagnosis, Ethiopian Technology Authority (ETA) Director-General Solomon Getachew said.

The Ethiopian Technology Authority held a workshop on the use of radiation technology for medical diagnosis and related safety measures today.

A study titled: “Establishment of DRL for Optimization of Radiological Doses through Evaluation of Exposure Parameters in the Case of CT Examination in Ethiopia”, was presented by the Director-General.

 

According to him, radiation technology is among the technologies under the ETA’s regulatory mandate and is used in Ethiopia not only in healthcare but also in various social and economic sectors.

Healthcare institutions using radiation technology for medical diagnosis are monitored and regulated to ensure appropriate safety measures on imported equipment and the operation of the technology.

The study found variations in radiation doses used for CT examinations from one healthcare facility to another and among professionals, Solomon said.

 

Such variations could cause side effects for patients and healthcare professionals. Therefore, the Director-General stressed the need to use radiation technology at appropriate dose levels for both diagnosis and treatment.

Radiation doses should be carefully controlled to ensure they are neither excessive nor insufficient.

In addition, there is a need to consider patients’ health and physical conditions when radiation technology is used for diagnosis and treatment, he noted.

Professor Seife Teferi, an adviser to the study, said radiation technology is being used for medical diagnosis in various Ethiopian healthcare institutions, but not yet in a uniform manner.

 

The study presented could help address this gap through continuous training and capacity building for professionals.