The woman, whose identity FMT is withholding pending comment from the hospital, alleged that years after the hospital installed a PET-CT machine, three personnel suffered from various types of cancer, while another four contracted thyroid-related diseases.
The seven personnel are attached to the radiology department.
“It has raised concerns over SOP breaches when it comes to radiation safety in that particular unit,” the woman, who is suffering from Stage 4 Hodgkin disease, said at a press conference here.
She also highlighted alleged safety gaps, including a lack of proper isolation areas for patients undergoing radioactive procedures.
She claimed patients were placed in shared waiting areas and used common facilities like lifts, risking unintended exposure, and that no clear quarantine procedures existed after radioactive injections, creating unsafe conditions for staff and patients.
“All of the patients are just grouped in one corner. There is no separation. They are using the lift and everything. Everyone is basically exposed,” she said.
She also claimed that the lack of a dedicated radiopharmacist had been raised with the relevant officials but was initially denied by those overseeing radiation safety at the department.
She said a staff member was later assigned to the role after the issue was brought up.
She said the role was critical for preparing and handling radioactive materials, and that its vacancy raised concerns over safety protocols.
She said a report was lodged with the health ministry’s medical radiation surveillance division.
However, she claimed there was “contradicting information” in the division’s probe and findings.
The former radiographer is demanding an independent probe into the matter.
She also wants an extensive audit of the radiology equipment at the department, including the PET-CT machine, CT scanner, and X-ray machine.
A PET-CT machine combines positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans in one device to produce 3D images showing the body’s structure and activity.
FMT has reached out to the higher education ministry for comment.