Investigation of the status of occupational radiation protection in Malawian hospitals

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to explore the occupational radiation protection program in three hospitals in Malawi and discover how radiation protection measures for workers are being implemented in their radiology departments. METHOD: A questionnaire was administered to heads of X-ray departments for Kamuzu Central Hospital, Bwaila Hospital and Mtengo wa Nthenga Hospital to investigate occupational radiation protection practices in their departments. RESULTS: The study discovered that hospitals lack radiation protection programs which covers a number of critical issues including quality assurance and personnel dose monitoring. CONCLUSION: The implementation of basic elements of occupational radiation protection in Malawian hospitals is inadequate.