VietNamNet Bridge – About 700 enterprises were fined more than VND1.4 trillion (US$68.6 million) last year for measuring and radiation safety violations, the Ministry of Science and Technology has reported.

The inspection focused on enterprises using scales, electricity and water measuring tools, medical X-ray devices and other medical measuring tools.— Photo Vneconomy

The ministry inspected more than 2,700 enterprises last year, checking an average of 44 enterprises in each province and city, according to chief inspector Tran Minh Dung.

The inspection focused on enterprises using scales, electricity and water measuring tools, medical X-ray devices and other medical measuring tools.

In addition to administrative fines, enterprises received various punishments including withdrawal of licences, destruction of illegal measuring tools and suspension from using radiation devices.

Dung said that in some provinces and cities, management over the tools' use was not good and penalties were not strong enough. Many organisations and individuals lacked awareness about proper use of medical tools and radiation safety, while others intentionally ignored the regulations.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Viet Thanh said the inspection would improve management of health care services and help raise awareness about this issue.

VNS/VNN