Author(s):
Dinesh K Aswal and Anirudh Chandra

Abstract:
Ionizing radiation and nuclear medicine (i.e., use of radioactive substances known as radionuclides) are integral to modern healthcare, offering critical tools for diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of medical conditions, significantly enhancing patient care and outcomes. These technologies are indispensable in the fight against cancer, supporting everything from screening and detection to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. Beyond oncology, they are equally crucial for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases, through routine medical imaging and advanced treatments. In developed countries, which represent about a quarter of the global population, approximately one in 50 people undergo diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures annually [1]. Globally, over 10,000 hospitals use radioisotopes for medical applications, with around 90% of these procedures dedicated to diagnosis. In contrast, therapeutic use of radioisotopes is less frequent, occurring at about one-tenth the rate of diagnostic procedures. This editorial explores the role of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in advancing healthcare through the use of ionizing radiation in the country.

Pages: 257-260

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