This study evaluates the radiation protection status and regulatory compliance (BAER Act-2012, NSRC Rules-1997, and Regulatory Guides) in 153 diagnostic X-ray facilities across four different districts (Chandpur, Dinajpur, Pirojpur, and Tangail) of Bangladesh. The results show that 71% facilities are licensed, 66% have certified RCOs, 93% possesses personal protective equipment, 78% have appointed qualified radiation workers, 79% workers have personal dosimeters, and near 92% have the required wall thickness in the X-ray room. Proper shielding is observed at 73% entrance doors and in 76% control rooms. The shortcomings are found in the standard room size requirement (25%) and the presence of warning signs (29%). Radiation dose rates in the control room are within the permissible limit in most facilities (72%), but not satisfactory at the entrance door (22%). Chandpur district has a better radiation safety structure than the other three districts, where Pirojpur district stands in the bottom position. Facilities that have a CT scan with a conventional X-ray show better compliance compared to only conventional X-ray and dental X-ray facilities. Comparative study with the regulatory survey, which was conducted in 2000, demonstrates significant improvements in radiation safety infrastructure in these districts. These findings represent significant progress and also highlight gaps in the radiation safety structure in rural areas of the country. The Regulatory Authority should focus on improvement in the areas lacking to ensure a proper radiation safety structure in Bangladesh. • Most X-ray facilities comply with radiation protection requirements for shielding, PPE, and operator qualification. • Regulatory deficiencies persist in facility licensing, certified RCO presence, warning signs, and room size standards. • Radiation doses at control panels remain within limits, while entrance-door doses are unsatisfactory. • District-wise variation exists, with Chandpur showing the strongest and Pirojpur having the weakest safety structure. • CT scan facilities demonstrate higher regulatory compliance than only fixed or dental X-ray facilities.
Ahmed et al. (Wed,) studied this question.