Millions of travellers transit through airports. This is one of the reasons that passengers in airports could be susceptible to communicable diseases that can originate from anywhere in the world. In recent years, swine flu, bird flu and now Ebola, outbreaks have reached from one country to another through international travellers. Besides contagious diseases waterborne and foodborne diseases are also reported from time to time that result from international travels.
Food establishments at airports as well as flight kitchens will not be allowed to function if they do not have the appropriate license which is in accordance with Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Food that is unhygienic, adulterated and unsafe for human consumption will be discarded.
With a view to safeguard the passengers and the crew at airports, the Union Health Ministry has made a separate set of rules titled the Indian Aircraft (Public Health) Rule 2015. Once these rules are notified in the Indian Gazette all airports and airlines will be required to follow them.
One of the new rules states that airlines will have to inform about illness, passenger health or death before arrival at airports. All hazardous materials being transported in planes will be subject to inspection. Disinfection and decontamination of aircraft, cargo, containers, passenger baggage, parcels human remains and other airport facilities would be carried out with the technical guidance of the supervisor.
Any service provider, who supplies water to the airport, will have to carry out timely microbiological testing of drinking water and submit a report as per rules to the airport health officer. Food suppliers will also have to submit a copy of Food Safety License to airport health officer in respect of their premises outside airports. Violation of rules or non compliance of rules could result in punishable penalties such as up to six months in prison or fine of up to Rs.10, 000 or both.
The role of the airport Health Officer has been expanded and outlined. The officer will ensure that
- Health of travellers is screened
- All airport surroundings are free of infection
- Potable water supply is safe
- All airport facilities are hygienic especially those used by travellers, like washrooms
- Safe disposal of liquid and solid waste
- Airports and surroundings are free of mosquitoes and other vectors
- Verify water testing reports to ensure the safety of water at source
A new body called the National International Health Regulation (IHR) will oversee the implementation of these rules. Besides this, a task force will be constituted to deal with health emergencies and contagious disease of international magnitude.
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