The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Radiation Sources Regulatory Partnership (RSRP) delivered a workshop on the regulatory oversight of medical linear accelerators (LINAC) to the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) in Harare, Zimbabwe. The training, from July 24-26, 2024, included in-class presentations, in-depth group discussions on regulatory best practices for licensing and inspection of LINAC facilities, and a visit to a cancer treatment center in Harare.
The topics covered in the three-day workshop included: construction criteria and safety features; quality assurance; machine maintenance; treatment planning; and authorization and inspection procedures. The engagement of RPAZ staff and other participants that use LINAC showed a very good understanding and awareness of aspects of regulatory oversight that are essential to ensure that the health and safety of patients, workers and the public are adequately protected.
The information sharing from this workshop will enable the RPAZ to update existing licensing and inspection procedures to improve the regulatory oversight of medical providers using advanced technologies for cancer treatment and diagnosis.