Radiology professionals in Turkey call for improved rights and safety

On World Radiology Day, medical experts and labor representatives in Turkey highlighted the critical role of radiology in modern medicine while addressing the professional challenges faced by its workforce.

Radiology specialist Prof. Dr. Cengiz Erol described the field as the “seeing eye” of modern medicine, noting its essential role in diagnosing conditions ranging from headaches and heart disease to breast cancer. He emphasized that technologies such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are indispensable for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring, adding that artificial intelligence is expected to contribute significantly to future diagnostic processes.

Simultaneously, Necip Taşkın, General President of Anadolu Sağlık Sen, issued a call for better working conditions for radiology technicians and technologists. Taşkın raised concerns regarding the health risks posed by continuous exposure to ionizing radiation, which can lead to cancer, thyroid diseases, and cataracts. He advocated for improved professional rights, including increased compensation for occupational diseases, reduced weekly working hours, and higher revision of wear-and-tear allowances to ensure both worker safety and patient care quality.