Singapore to roll out haze subsidies as more seek treatment for respiratory issues

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will activate its haze subsidy scheme at Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) and polyclinics from Monday (Oct 12), as air quality deteriorates across Singapore due to transboundary haze.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday that emergency departments and polyclinics have seen an increase in patients seeking treatment for respiratory issues.

Speaking to reporters at an event at Bukit Canberra, Mr Ong said he had observed a week-on-week rise in such cases at emergency departments.

All Singapore citizens will be eligible for subsidies at polyclinics, while subsidies at participating PHPCs will be limited to certain groups, including children and seniors.

Public Assistance cardholders will receive fully subsidised care, while Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors will pay no more than S$5 (US$3.90). Fees for other eligible Singaporeans will be capped at S$10.

The scheme was last activated in 2015, when Singapore experienced one of its worst haze episodes, with smoke from forest fires in Indonesia blanketing the region for weeks.

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