Introduction & Background
About Us
Points of Entry (PoEs), comprising international airports, seaports and land ports, play a critical role in preventing the international spread of communicable diseases and mitigating public health risks associated with international travel and trade.
In India, public health functions at Points of Entry (PoEs) are discharged through Airport Health Organizations (APHOs), Port Health Organizations (PHOs) and Land Port Health Organizations (LPHOs), functioning under the Public Health (International Health) Division, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Healthy Borders.
Safer Tomorrow.
Safeguarding public health at every Point of Entry.
Key Functions of the Public Health (International Health) Division
The Public Health (International Health) Division provides technical, administrative, and operational oversight for public health activities at airports, seaports, and land border crossings across India. Major functions include:
Oversight and coordination of Airports, Seaports, and Landports Health Organisations.
Administrative and financial oversight of POE health units.
Conduct of periodic review meetings, training programmes, and capacity-building activities.
Development of technical guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), regulations, and public health protocols.
Coordination with national stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Civil Aviation, External Affairs, Home Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and FSSAI.
Monitoring and coordination of Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres (YFVCs) across the country.
Management of the IHPOE Web Portal
Coordination of public health arrangements during the annual Haj pilgrimage.
Monitoring and evaluation of vector surveillance and control activities at POEs.
Core Public Health Activities at APHOs/PHOs/LPHOs
The Airport Health Organizations (APHOs), Port Health Organizations (PHOs), and Land Port Health Organizations (LPHOs) are responsible for implementing public health measures at designated Points of Entry (PoEs) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005. Key activities include:
Implementation of public health measures in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and applicable national legislation, including the Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rules, 1954, and the Indian Port Health Rules, 1955 at POEs
Public health surveillance and screening of international travellers, crew, and conveyances
Detection, reporting, and response to communicable diseases and other public health events of international concern.
Quarantine, and health monitoring measures, as required.
Administration of Yellow Fever vaccination and issuance of International Certificates of Vaccination at designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres at authorized centres.
Public health clearance of human remains.
Inspection and supervision of sanitation, drinking water quality, and environmental hygiene, at Points of Entry.
Monitoring and implementation of Vector and rodent surveillance and control, including disinfection, disinsection, and deratting of aircraft, ships, and other conveyances, where applicable.
Public health inspection of ships and issuance of Free Pratique, Ship Sanitation Control Certificates, and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates.
Inspection and monitoring of food establishments, catering facilities, and imported food consignments in coordination with relevant authorities.
Management of medical emergencies and public health incidents at Points of Entry.
Coordination with national and international stakeholders during Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs).
Development and implementation of preparedness, contingency, and emergency response plans.
Capacity building and training for response to biological, zoonotic, chemical, and radiological public health threats.
Ensuring compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, and other applicable public health laws, rules, and guidelines.