Department of Radiological Physics

International Conference on Radiological Emergency and Management (ICONRADEM 2019) 9-11 February 2019

An international conference on Radiological Emergency and Management was organized by the Department of Radiological Physics, SMS Medical College and Hospitals, Jaipur during 9-11 February 2019. The theme of the conference was ‘better the awareness and preparedness; better the emergency management’. 300 delegates from 13 countries participated in the conference.

This was organized in cooperation with IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), under the auspices of AFOMP (Asia-Oceania Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics) and RUHS (Rajasthan University of Health Sciences) and was endorsed by AAPM (American Association of Physicists in Medicine), IOMP (International Organization for Medical Physics), MEFOMP (Middle East Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics),  INS (Indian Nuclear Society), AMPI (Association of Medical Physicists of India), AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board), NMPAI (Nuclear Medicine Physicists Association of India), IARP (Indian Association for Radiation Protection), INSA (Indian National Science Academy)and ISRB (Indian Society for Radiation Biology). DAE (Department of Atomic Energy), Government of India was a knowledge partner. 

The inaugural programme was held at ‘SushrutSabhagar’, SMS Hospital Auditorium presided by Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Principal and Controller, SMS Medical College and Hospitals, Jaipur. Dr Pradeepkumar K S, Distinguished Scientist, Head, Radiation Safety Systems Division and Associate Director Health, Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Mumbai was the Chief Guest. Shri V K Jain, Outstanding Scientist and Director, NPCIL, RAPP Kota was Guest of Honour and Ramon De La Vega, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, IAEA was Special Guest for the inauguration. Dr. DS Meena, Medical Superintendent, SMS Hospital Jaipur, Dr Arun Chougule, Organizing Chairman, and Mrs. Rajni Verma Organizing Secretary also addressed the gathering.

An exhibition on Radiological Safety, Bio-dosimetry, Emergency response and various radiation monitoring systemswasarranged by BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre), Mumbai, AMD (Atomic Minerals Directorate), Jaipur and RAPP, NPCIL (Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd), Kota team for public awareness. An Emergency Response Mobile unit was also at display.

The scientific programme was started with a key-note address by Dr Pradeepkumar K S on Development of Systems and Methodologies for National level preparedness for response to Nuclear and Radiological emergencies/ threats.More than 40 invited talks from renowned radiation safety and management experts and above 60 abstracts from radiological professionals and young researchers of various related fields were the major highlight of the conference.The invited talks covered all relevant topics during the sessions titled Introduction to Radiological emergencies and Incidents, Radiation Emergencies in Radiotherapy and Radio-diagnosis, Radiation Effects and Emergency preparedness, IAEA Session, Cancer Epidemiology and Radiobiology, Potential Threats in Radiological Emergencies - Response Measures, Radiological Disaster Management and role of Armed forces, Radiation Dosimetry & Preparedness for Radiological Emergencies, Incident reporting, Radiation Protection & Legislations and Safety Considerations, Emergencies & their Management in Nuclear Medicine. A plenary talk on IAEA Safety Standards on preparedness and response to nuclear or radiological Emergenciesby Ramon de la Vega,was the highlight of the second day. Two teaching sessions for students and young professionals were also arranged, which was attended by not only students, but also majority of the delegates very enthusiastically. Very active interactions, critical comments and strong discussions made this conference an outstanding one.  A panel discussion on ‘Role of healthcare professionals in radiological emergencies: What is done? What needs to be done?’ marked the end of the scientific sessions. The scientific proceedings of the conference have been published as the RUHS Journal of Health Sciences (RUHSJHS) supplementary abstract issue.(Available at: www.ruhsjhs.in). An e-Souvenir of the conference was also released.

A best oral presentation session which included 9 oral presentations and a best poster presentation session which included 12 poster presentations were an important part of the scientific programme. This was arranged to encourage and motivate students and young professionals to involveactively in academic and research work. Two prizes each comprising of certificate of appreciation and cash award was distributed to the winners.

Best Poster Awards:

First Prize: Ms. AkanchhaTripathi, INMAS, DRDO, Delhi

Second Prize: Mr. LalitPanwar,Defence Laboratory, DRDO, Jodhpur

Best Oral Awards:

First Prize: Mr. Sandeep Chaudhary : INMAS, DRDO, Delhi

Second Prize: Mr. Ram Milan Sahani :Defence Laboratory, DRDO, Jodhpur

Cultural and entertainment night was arranged on first two days of the conference where students as well as professional performers showcased the rich Rajasthani cultural heritage. It was highly appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

The organizers highlyappreciate the active participation, cooperation and support of the organizations  IAEA, AFOMP, RUHS, AMPI, IOMP, AAPM, ICTP, MEFOMP, INS, AERB, NMPAI, IARP, INSA,ISRB, NPCIL-RAPP, BARC, INMAS-DRDO, DLJ-DRDO, IPEM and DAE-GOI  and everyone  involved in this conference.

Department of Radiological Physics