Ensuring X-ray Safety in Merowe, Sudan

Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in modern health care, but its benefits come with risks to patients and health care workers due to the presence of ionizing radiation, so ensuring radiation safety and design compliance is a technical and public health priority. This study assessed the structural, preventive, and operational compliance of four X-ray diagnostic facilities in the Merowe area in accordance with international standards established by the IAEA SSG-46, ICRP 103, and NCRP 147. The criteria were used to evaluate X-ray facilities across five main areas: room design, adequacy of protection, radiation leakage, and availability of safety equipment. The results showed significant variation in compliance between facilities. Only one facility (H3) met most of the criteria evaluated, while others showed serious deficiencies, and only one facility (H2) recorded fugitive radiation levels exceeding 540% of the permissible limit in control areas, which could cause serious health risks to employees. This study contributes to a comprehensive assessment, focusing on the need for a unified radiology infrastructure and regular quality assurance.