Prof Atul Goyal, Director General of Health Services, GoI calls for mandatory checking at international POEs for public health security

Varanasi: During the annual review meeting of the Point of Entry (POEs) Health Organisation (2023-24), Professor Atul Goyal, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, talked about the vital role of mandatory inspections at international points of entry (POEs) to safeguard public health.

The inaugural meeting, attended by state and national health officials, reviewed POEs’ annual performance and discussed improvements for better compliance with the IHR. Professor Goyal stressed the necessity for the Indian International Health Regulations (2005) to enforce public health measures at airports, ports, and land crossings to ensure global health security.

Since 2007, the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework has made progress in strengthening structures and strategies to address emerging health threats. Any designated area that serves as a legal entry point for International travellers can be considered a POE, Goyal said, adding that they serve as frontline defenders against infectious diseases and other health risks.

POEs are crucial for screening travellers during public health emergencies such as H1N1, Ebola, Zika, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

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