The Health Operations Centre (HOC) assesses and processes offshore Immigration health examinations.

The Health Operations Centre assists panel members, Australian missions and health services in Australia with information, support and expert advice. It provides a single point of contact for all offshore immigration health related enquiries for panel members and departmental staff.

Established in February 2008, the Health Operations Centre incorporated the work of the Global Medical Unit (GMU), the Local Clearance Unit (LCU) and the Health Assessment Service (HAS), which included the health undertaking service.

What does the Health Operations Centre do?

The Health Operations Centre is responsible for operational issues related to health and health processing in the department.

More specifically, the Health Operations Centre manages the international panel doctor network, including:

• keeping the contact details of panel members up to date
• appointing and removing panel members including doctors, their locums and chief radiologists
• communicating changes in process and policy to panel members
• producing information newsletters for panel members
• organising and conducting onsite audit visits of panel clinics
• auditing health examinations
• answering procedural questions
• providing advice on medical issues to the panel members
  and
• investigating health related complaints and issues.

Where is the Health Operations Centre located?

The Health Operations Centre is located in Sydney, Australia.

How do I contact the Health Operations Centre?

You can contact the HOC by email, fax, telephone or post. We prefer that you use email or fax wherever possible.

Please note the HOC can only be contacted by telephone between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time.
See: Contact Us

How quickly will the Health Operations Centre respond to my questions?

If the HOC is not immediately available to answer your query we will usually get back to you within three (3) working days.

What if there is an emergency?

If you have an emergency and the HOC is not available you can contact your local departmental office outside of Australia (Embassy/Consulate/High Commission) for help. The local office will assist in contacting an Australian immigration Medical Officer for advice in emergency situations.
See: Immigration Offices Outside Australia