Hansard Explorer
Search and read the Parliament of Singapore's debates, questions and statements, since 1955.
By Sitting Date
By MP
Browse all topics discussed on a specific date
The paragraphs closest in meaning to your words, from every speech, with who said them. Search above, or use “Similar passages ›” beside a search's count in Sections.
165 results · 2026
By year
By type
Speakers in these results
Timeline of the top 40
Positions taken
Increase in Haze-related Attendances at Polyclinics and Emergency Departments During Recent Haze Episode
Speakers: Joan Pereira, Ong Ye Kung
Ms Joan Pereira asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health regarding the October 2026 transboundary haze (a) what are the absolute numbers and percentage increases in haze-related attendances at polyclinics and emergency departments; (b) which age groups and patients with pre-existing conditions have been most affected; and (c) whether the Ministry expects these groups to experience long-term health effects from prolonged exposure to unhealthy pollution levels.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: My response will also address Written Question No 20 raised by Ms He Ting Ru in today's Order Paper. [Please refer to "Impact of Haze on Respiratory Attendances at Polyclinics and Emergency Departments, Support for Vulnerable Patients and Healthcare Cost Estimation", Official Report, 3 November 2026, Vol 96, Issue 40, Written Answers to Questions section.]
As for now, there is limited evidence of long-term health effects from periodic haze exposure in Singapore.
Between early September 2026 and mid-October 2026, the average daily attendances for conditions that are potentially related to haze increased approximately from 4,000 to 5,000 at polyclinic and from 360 to 440 at emergency departments, representing an increase of about 25% and 20% respectively. The largest increase was observed among adults aged 18 to 64 years. The numbers fell after we activated the Haze Subsidy Scheme on 12 October 2026.
For persons with pre-existing respiratory conditions, doctors will provide additional support, including engaging patients on appropriate action plans for managing exacerbations, adjustment of medications, stepping up therapy where clinically appropriate and reinforcing medication adherence. Doctors will also remind patients to ensure an adequate supply of their medications and keep their inhalers with them at all times.
The Ministry of Health does not specifically track the healthcare costs directly attributable to haze. It is also difficult to definitively distinguish between respiratory conditions caused directly by haze or arise from other causes, especially since we are also undergoing an influenza season at this time of the year.