The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has lauded the country’s progress in manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals, saying the Islamic Republic is now among the top three countries concerning the production of agents used to diagnose certain medical problems or treat certain diseases.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of National Nuclear Technology Day in the capital Tehran on Monday, Mohammad Eslami stated that a total of 159 nuclear achievements were unveiled in the Iranian calendar year of 1401 (March 2022-March 2023), while another 150 accomplishments were put on display the following year.
He said the AEOI took major strides last year in the development and expansion of infrastructures necessary for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, and took measures aimed at commercializing its achievements.
Eslami noted that the AEOI specifically ramped up the extent of radiation-related activities by 2.5 times compared to the preceding year.
The administration has been trying hard to abolish the Western media hype about Tehran’s nuclear energy program ever since it took office in August 2021, the nuclear chief added.
He also noted that the AEOI is acting under a “comprehensive strategic plan” that was drawn up and ratified for the first time for the agency two years ago.
Iran has maintained its progress in the field of science required for the production of sophisticated and cutting-edge radiopharmaceuticals by employing alpha particles for therapeutic methods, and made spectacular advances in the treatment of cancer patients, Eslami explained.
The AEOI chief also announced plans to inaugurate 50 clinics across the country that would utilize plasma technology for the treatment of wounds, noting that local experts have also manufactured a homegrown system that is fitted in operating rooms and is used for the treatment of breast cancer.
Eslami finally hailed Iran’s major steps towards generating 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity, pointing to the launch of projects intended for the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran.
Over the past years, Iran has recorded many achievements in its nuclear energy program in defiance of US sanctions.
The country has also been closely cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
