There is a need to introduce more number of medical physics courses, said Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) Chairman S S Bajaj.

Inaugurating the 33rd AMPI National Conference (AMPICON-2012) on topic “Frontiers in Medical Physics-Innovations and Challenges” organised by Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology (KMC Mangalore and Manipal) and Association of Medical Physicists of India (Karnataka Chapter) at TMA Pai Hall on Thursday, he stressed on the need to have experienced personnel to handle radiation equipment. There is a need to safely dispose radioactive waste and disuse of equipment as per the AERB rules.

There is a need to have more accredited calibration laboratories. All incidents need to be registered so that one can learn from them and hence enhance their knowledge, he said.
Presiding over the programme, Manipal University Pro Chancellor Dr H S Ballal said that people should attend CMEs and conferences to upgrade their knowledge. In foreign countries, one needs to show the number of conferences they have attended while renewing their professional license. The same should be adopted in India, he said.

One should ensure that urban facilities reach rural areas. About 70 per cent of people live in rural areas. Many people who are below poverty line cannot afford healthcare. There is a need to find solution to this problem. Healthcare should be available and affordable to all. “All have to die one day. However, quality of life is very important as long as we live,” he said.

Manipal University Pro Vice Chancellor Dr V Surendra Shetty said that there is a need to have cancer registry. Compared to other countries, the number of people suffering with cancer in India is quiet low.

This is because there is no proper registration of cases, he said. Dr H S Ballal released the e-souvenir on the occasion. AMPI President Dr D D Deshpande conferred the Dr Ramaiah Naidu Citation to Royal Hospital Chief Medical Physicist Dr R Ravichandran.