Dr. Sandeep, President, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association [IRIA]
Dr. Mohanan, President Elect, National IRIA
Dr Manoj T Pillai, Secretary General, National IRIA
Dr Amarnath, Secretary General, National IRIA
Dr. S. Pradeep, Organizing Chairman,
Dr Suresh Babu, Organising Secreatary
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Madhyama Suhruthukkale,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am very happy to inaugurate the 36th Annual Conference of the Indian Radiological Imaging Association (IRIA), which promotes the study and practice of Radiological and Imaging modalities for diagnosis.
Let me begin by complimenting the practitioners of this branch of science for enabling its steady growth over the years. I understand that Radiology, which began with the X-ray, has broadened in such a way as to accommodate imaging modalities that include all types of Scans, Radio-biology, Radiation medicine, molecular Imaging and Interventional Radiology and other related sub-specialties and super specialties. It is therefore not surprising that the Indian Radiological Imaging Association has 13,700 members nationwide and around 550 in Kerala.
While we discuss the growth of this field, we should also look at whether the present growth is really adequate for a country like ours. It is true that the professional role of the Radiologists has evolved with involvement in the clinical management of patients. This involvement has also enabled the growth of the Radiology market. However, there is still a noticeable shortage of Radiologists in the country. Therefore, in spite of the growth achieved, we have to admit that the figure of 13,700 at the national level is not very encouraging, especially in comparison with that of Kerala, whose population is hardly 3% of the national population.
Since Radiology is believed to be the back-bone of the health-care industry, it has to be taken to the masses by making its services accessible to everyone. At present, there is a high demand for radiological services, but the availability of facilities is very limited. For instance, in many Government hospitals, though the cost of service may be very less, people have to wait for many days or even weeks for their turn to have an MRI or CT scan. In private establishments, such facilities are readily available, but, are often un- affordable to the majority. This is a social issue that needs to be addressed.
Another social issue relates to the misuse of the services offered by radiology centers. Until the enactment of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, there were many medical professionals who misused technology for sex-selective discriminatory practices that could have brought down the girl population even more drastically. It was the Supreme Court, which took a serious view of this while considering a Public Interest Litigation and directed the Centre to implement the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act in all its aspects.
It may be of interest to you all to know that after the implementation of the Act, some doctors had started using 'code language' to verbally convey the sex of the baby. But, even such people had been brought to book through a strict implementation of the law. But, I also understand that the Indian Radiological Imaging Association feels that some of the provisions of the Act are misused in different parts of the country. The Radiologists have to be very careful, since they are now held responsible for mistakes that are usually seen as clerical errors in reports. This needs to be reviewed in such a way that the honest doctors get adequate protection, but my advice would be to be doubly careful until such provisions are included.However, I am very happy that your Association favors a uniform implementation of the Act and is actively supporting the 'Save the Girl Child Campaign'.
As we all know, imaging centers, like clinical laboratories, are playing an ever increasing role in medical care. But, it is sad to note that the imbalance in the rates as well as the dependability of the test reports continues to be disturbing. In fact, the Kerala Chapter of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association should come forward to introduce a uniform pricing for all imaging services in the State. The Association should also give the right inputs which may help in creating a regulatory mechanism to ensure uniform rates and more importantly, quality of the service offered to patients. It is high time we had a Clinical Diagnostic Technology Council under which all laboratories and imaging centers are registered and graded as per the service they provide.
The quality of Radiological services can be improved only if we ensure the quality of the people who work in it, especially at the level of the technicians. I would suggest that the Association should come forward to design Diploma or Degree courses that could eventually be made the basic qualification for the recruitment of technicians and other staff. In addition, some mechanism has to be devised to ensure regular orientation for doctors as well as other staff on the legal aspects related to the provision of Imaging services.
It is true that Radiologists have traditionally remained ‘behind the curtain’ in patient care. But society should be made aware of the role of Radiology as the critical link between physicians and patients. A lot of work in terms of awareness creation, maintenance of quality, uniformity of prices and most importantly, adherence to ethical practices, will have to be carried out to ensure that your role is clearly and fully understood by the patient population. I sincerely hope that this Annual Conference would address these issues in an effective manner.
I compliment the office bearers of this Association for conducting this conference in a befitting manner. I greet all the delegates who are attending this Conference and wish them all the best.
Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
