DESCRIPTION: |
Port Health Services monitor and evaluate all foodstuffs, cosmetics, disinfectants, hazardous substances and medicines entering the Western Cape through the ports, and control and monitor the possible entering of all serious contagious diseases into the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa. These infectious diseases include yellow fever, cholera, plague and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Port and Environmental Health is responsible for the three sea ports (Cape Town, Mossel Bay and Saldanha Bay) and the two airports (Cape Town International and George, which has temporary international status). AIRPORT HEALTH CONTROL If a passenger is suspected of having an infectious disease such as SARS and presents with symptoms during the flight, the crew will alert the Airports Company of SA who will notify the port health officer. On arrival, a metro (emergency services) doctor will assess the person and the necessary measures will be taken (e.g. quarantine). Water and food supplies to aircraft are monitored. VESSEL INSPECTION Vessels that seek entry to any of the three sea ports must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health. Vessels are checked for rodents and a valid De-ratting Exemption Certificate is required. According to international health regulations, an infected vessel must be fumigated. Water and food supplies to vessels are monitored. IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS Imported foodstuffs are inspected at random for possible hazardous or toxic substances at all entry ports. When goods are offloaded, they are usually removed under extended health guarantees and only released if the port authority is satisfied. All shipments must conform to the Foodstuff, Cosmetic and Disinfectants Act, 54 of 1972. PHARMACEUTICALS AND MEDICINES Products are checked to see whether they have been registered with the Medicines Control Council of South Africa, or whether they have expired. Hazardous substances such as chemicals, pesticides and fungicides are also detained PORT EXPORTS The port health authority will issue health certificates for export under certain conditions. |
INSTRUCTIONS: |
For more information regarding port health phone Mr M Slabber on tel 021 4211124, fax 021 418 5685. The postal address is P.O.Box 6489, Roggebaai, 8012 and the street address is Room 906, 9th Floor, Customs House, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000. |
PROVIDED AT: |
These facility categories: |
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GOVERNMENT BODY:
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Department of Health (Provincial Government of the Western Cape) |
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Cape Gateway is a government service aimed primarily at citizens of the Western Cape, providing information on local, provincial and national government |  |