The port quarantine work was carried out for long time by Madras State Government. Port and Marine Dispensary were attached to Port Health Organization and Madras Quarantine Officer held the dual post of Port Health Officer cum Port and Marine Surgeon. In 1939 Port Health Organization was transferred to the control of Central Government.

After independence, Port Health Organization , Chennai, is functioning as a Subordinate Office of the Directorate General of Health Services, under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi.

The Discharge of functions of this Authority and its employees is in accordance with the following Acts, Rules, Regulations:

Acts

• The Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• Food Safety and Standard Act, (FSSA)-2006 & Food Safety and Standards (Packing and labelling Regulations, (FSSR)-2011 by assisting the Customs department for clearance of imported food and acting as Designated Officer for Food Catering Units within Port Areas.

Rules

• The Indian Port Health Rules, 1955
• The Unberthed Passenger Ships Rules, 1954
• The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Medical Officers) Rules, 1961
• The Merchant Shipping (Medicines, Medical Stores and Appliances) Rules, 1994.

Regulations

• The International Health Regulations (2005)