Mohammad Eslami, Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, at the inauguration ceremony of the first center for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer at Hakim Children’s Hospital, emphasized the importance of nuclear technology in health and food security, announcing the production of 78 radiopharmaceuticals in the country. He also announced the establishment of five irradiation centers by the end of the seventh development plan and stressed the role of these centers in improving health and reducing agricultural product waste.
Advancements in Health with Nuclear Technology
Eslami, at this ceremony, referred to the pressures and limitations facing the country's nuclear program, stating that despite all challenges, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has been able to maintain the country's movement and progress in the path of knowledge and technology. He explained that currently about 78 radiopharmaceutical products are continuously produced and supplied, and more than 20 other products are in the research phase, which will soon be added to the product basket.
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The head of the Atomic Energy Organization proudly referred to the capabilities of the medical community and researchers in competing with advanced countries in the field of treatment and said: "We have been able to compete with developed countries in some treatment areas and continue this path even in difficult conditions."
Increasing the Shelf Life of Agricultural Products with Irradiation
Eslami also referred to the use of nuclear technology in agriculture and said: "About 130 million tons of products are produced in the country annually, but a large portion of these products are lost due to waste and remaining pests, exiting the consumption cycle." He emphasized that the use of radiation and the development of various systems such as radiation generators, gamma systems, and accelerators can help increase the shelf life and productivity of products, ultimately having positive impacts on household economy and public health.
The Vice President also considered protection against radiation and nuclear safety as important responsibilities of the Atomic Energy Organization and said: "Protecting human lives, the environment, and future generations is one of our main duties." Eslami emphasized that the Atomic Energy Organization conducts continuous monitoring of related centers, with more than 600 centers under permanent supervision.
During the ceremony, Eslami mentioned the positive collaborations of the Atomic Energy Organization with the Ministry of Health and said: "We are proud to serve the people and have tried to pursue these interactions based on regulations and discipline." He referred to the memorandum of understanding signed last year for the establishment of five irradiation centers in the country, stating that these centers are designed based on the needs and strategic priorities of the Ministry of Health.
Eslami concluded by emphasizing the Atomic Energy Organization's commitment to establishing these centers by the end of the seventh development plan, stating: "We are committed to operationalizing all five centers by the end of this plan."
The first center for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer was inaugurated in the presence of various officials, including Mohammad Reza Aref, First Vice President, and Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, Minister of Health. This ceremony reflects a special focus on children's health and the importance of timely treatment of cancer diseases.
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