The verification activity aimed to ensure that the nuclear medicine facilities were safe for workers, patients, the public, and the environment. The verification teams confirmed that the constructed designs met safety standards, which were verified through calculations regarding radiation shielding and equipment, and that primary equipment, supporting equipment, human resource competence, and operational procedures complied with radiation safety and source security requirements. This assessment covered operations involving SPECT-CT (using I-131 and Tc-99m sources), PET-CT (using F-18 FDG radiopharmaceuticals), and nuclear medicine therapy (using I-131 sources).

The BAPETEN inspection team for Mitra Keluarga Bekasi Timur Hospital was led by Herry Irawan (Radiation Supervisor, Health Facility Licensing Function Group, DPFRZR BAPETEN), accompanied by team members. Meanwhile, the BAPETEN inspection team for RSUD Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie was led by Ahmad Maulana (Radiation Supervisor, Health Facility Licensing Function Group, DPFRZR BAPETEN) and was also accompanied by team members. The verification process for the operating license of the in vivo diagnostic nuclear medicine facility at Mitra Keluarga Hospital Bekasi Timur covered a GE SPECT-CT scanner (model NM/CT 860 DR) using I-131 and Tc-99m sources, a GE PET-CT scanner (model Discovery IQ) using F-18-FDG, and a nuclear medicine therapy facility using I-131. Meanwhile, at RSUD Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie, the verification covered a GE PET-CT scanner (model Discovery IQ) using F-18-FDG produced by the hospital's own cyclotron.

The scope of the on-site inspection included document review and technical verification regarding the conformity of the constructed facility's design and the adequacy of radiation shielding thickness in the following areas: radionuclide/radiopharmaceutical preparation, counting, and storage rooms (equipped with standard fume hoods); radiopharmaceutical administration rooms; patient imaging rooms; post-administration patient rooms; decontamination rooms; radioactive waste temporary storage and pre-disposal processing areas; and dedicated patient toilets for use after radiopharmaceutical administration. Furthermore, the process involved verifying the performance of primary and supporting equipment, measuring radiation exposure, assessing patient flow and personnel competence in operating the SPECT-CT and PET-CT scanners against standards, and inspecting radiation protection equipment and radioactive source security measures.

Following the verification of the nuclear medicine facility's operating license, the hospital committed to addressing the findings presented by the BAPETEN team within a specified timeframe. The verification process proceeded smoothly, with the hospital actively participating and welcoming the proceedings; any identified deficiencies were regarded as constructive technical feedback and recommendations for ensuring radiation safety in compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

The issuance of the operating license for the nuclear medicine facility at Mitra Keluarga Hospital Bekasi Timur, positioned as a center of excellence offering "one-stop" oncology services, aligns with the hospital's mission to be a leading, customer-focused healthcare provider. As the first service of its kind in Bekasi City, the hope is that patients will no longer need to travel far or even abroad for medical treatment.

This marks a major milestone for RSUD Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie in its efforts to enhance medical facilities in the Kalimantan region, specifically regarding cancer care. By utilizing nuclear medicine, specifically PET-CT imaging with F-18 radioisotopes that the hospital can now produce in-house, the facility is able to provide high-quality healthcare services that were previously difficult for the local community to access.

[DPFRZR/Dwiangesti/BHKK/CD/Translator: GP]