Radiology technicians await appointments

The number of radiology technicians working in imaging units such as MRI, CT, and X-ray in public hospitals is insufficient. This situation both increases the workload of employees and threatens their health. 

Radiology workers stated that they are awaiting appointments, saying, "Our workload is increasing due to insufficient personnel, we cannot take our leave, and some of the devices cannot be operated during leave periods because there is no staff. This leads to appointments being delayed by months."

Speaking to BirGün today, on November 8, World Radiology Day, Heybet Aslanoğlu, President of the Association of All Radiology Technicians and Technologists, said, "It is the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays and the birth of the science of radiology. However, we radiology workers are celebrating this day with a heavy heart once again."

Pointing out that no appointments are being made in the health sector within the scope of austerity measures, Aslanoğlu said, "The quota allocated for radiology is very small and does not meet the demands of the field. Due to the shortage of radiology technicians and technologists in public hospitals, our workload is very high; many of our colleagues cannot take their leave, and when they do go on leave, some of the devices cannot be operated because there is no staff, which results in appointments being delayed by months and long queues in radiology units," he said.

Pointing out that patients cannot find appointments in the public sector, and even if they do, they cannot access imaging services, Aslanoğlu continued as follows:

"We can say that one of the most important reasons underlying violence against healthcare workers is the incorrect health policies implemented and the citizens' inability to access services. All public hospitals are providing services with personnel numbers far below the personnel distribution chart. There is a need for at least 15 thousand radiology technicians in the public sector, 10 thousand of which are urgent. The Ministry of Health must provide employment in the field of radiology in a way that meets the demands of the field. While there is a need for personnel in radiology on one hand, 7,350 people graduate from the radiology department every year on the other, and because they cannot find jobs, they are forced to work in markets like BİM or A101. Or, because we cannot utilize our qualified health workforce, they look for ways to go abroad."