Under the International Health Regulations 2005 (IHR), there is an obligation for the UK Government to assess all events which may constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).  For the UK this function is fulfilled by the HPA in its role as IHR National Focal Point. 

Following the Port Health Review in 2006 overseen by the Department of Health, the Home Office, and the HPA the overall operational lead for Port Health is the HPA.  The HPA's responsibility is to ensure that there are appropriate operational arrangements for:

• Port Health, particularly given the risks of a flu pandemic
• Medical examinations under the terms of the Immigration Act 1971
• Ensuring that appropriate supporting action, policy, and guidance development are formulated and actioned

The HPA works closely with partners in the public sector and travel industry to ensure that there are clear arrangements at each international travel terminal, accessible to the staff concerned, for contacting the different health services that may need to be involved (eg NHS emergency services).

The International Health Regulations 2005 have implications for port health planning and service delivery at all UK Government Designated Points of Entry.

• Procedure for appointing Medical Inspectors for the purpose of the Immigration Act 1971
  Appointment of Medical Inspectors
  Added/updated: 30 September 2009
  
• The International Health Regulations 2005 and their implications for local Port Health
  This guidance provides an explanation of the key implications of the International Health Regulations (IHRs) for local Port Health planning and service delivery
  Added/updated: 23 April 2009
  
• Port Medical Officer responsibilities
  Description of the duties of a Port Medical Officer
  Added/updated: 29 April 2010
  
• Legal responsibilities of Port Medical Officers
  Description of the legal responsibilitiesof a Port Medical Officer
  Added/updated: 20 January 2009