DHA launches HIMA system for vessel health inspection at maritime ports

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) today launched the border health inspection management system, "HIMA", during its participation at the World Health Expo. The system is the first-of-its-kind fully integrated digital system in the Middle East, dedicated to managing and implementing health inspection processes for vessels at maritime ports. This strategic step enhances the readiness of the public health system and reinforces Dubai's leadership in adopting smart digital solutions to protect the community from cross-border diseases. The launch of the system forms part of the Dubai Health Authority's ongoing efforts to develop a proactive and integrated regulatory framework based on risk assessment and compliance with the requirements of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and Law No. 5 of 2025 concerning public health in the emirate of Dubai. This approach ensures the early detection of potential health risks aboard vessels, reduces the likelihood of cross-border disease transmission, and enhances the efficiency and speed of health-related decision-making at maritime ports. The system is built on a fully integrated digital workflow that covers all stages of health inspection. It is supported by an early-warning system and intelligent automated alerts, in addition to direct integration with vessel-tracking data to analyse vessel routes and previous ports of call and link them to health-risk assessments. The system serves a wide range of stakeholders, including public health inspectors at maritime ports, operations rooms, crisis and disaster management teams, regulatory authorities responsible for public health and ports, healthcare decision-makers, maritime transport companies and agencies, and port authorities. This integrated approach strengthens operational coordination and ensures port safety and business continuity.