Singapore has experienced a modest increase in healthcare visits linked to persistent haze conditions that have affected air quality since early September. The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a slight rise in emergency room and polyclinic attendances for haze-related symptoms, although no cases requiring intensive care or fatalities have been identified so far.
The haze, characterized primarily by elevated levels of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, first pushed air quality into unhealthy territory on Sept. 4, marking the first such occurrence in three years. Levels have remained elevated, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching between 128 and 170 across all regions as of Oct. 13. Prolonged exposure has led to increased respiratory and other health complaints.
Clinical practices and telemedicine providers have noted a 20 to 30 percent surge in patients exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with poor air quality. These include runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, conjunctivitis, eye irritation, skin rashes, and respiratory difficulties. Family physicians have also observed flare-ups of chronic conditions such as asthma and lung disease, even among patients with previously well-controlled symptoms.
Sharon Ngoh, acting medical director at Parkway Shenton, explained that cumulative haze exposure is responsible for the increased health burden, with haze-related conditions now accounting for about 30 percent of clinic visits, up from 20 percent before the haze began. She also highlighted a rise in reports of headaches and fatigue among patients.
Doctors emphasized that the haze-related health effects coincide with Singapore’s Influenza A season, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Yak Sin Lin, family physician at Raffles Medical, noted that some asthma patients had to resume inhaler use after extended symptom-free periods and recommended medical evaluation to reassess treatment plans. Raffles Hospital’s 24-Hour Acute and Critical Care clinic has seen a 10 percent increase in respiratory cases over the last two weeks.
Medical practitioners also pointed to young children and seniors as particularly vulnerable groups. Mark Sim from Island Family Clinic observed an increase in influenza cases exacerbated by haze exposure, with symptoms such as cough and breathlessness proving more severe in affected patients. Lim Hui Ling, medical director of International Medical Clinic, noted that haze particles may facilitate deeper viral penetration into the respiratory system and highlighted the risk of infection transmission in indoor environments where people tend to gather during haze episodes.
The haze’s impact extends beyond acute clinical settings. Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital reported a 10 percent rise in respiratory cases among its patients, while two associated nursing homes noted a 17 percent increase in respiratory illnesses among immunocompromised residents or those with pre-existing lung and heart conditions. Careful symptom and nutritional management are being implemented, with anti-infective treatment considered when necessary.
In addition to physical health risks, healthcare providers have raised concerns about the haze's effects on seniors' mobility and mental well-being due to reduced outdoor activity and social interaction. Shravan Verma, CEO of telemedicine provider Speedoc, advised caregivers to encourage indoor engagement and movement to mitigate these issues.
Starting Oct. 12, the government has extended subsidized care for haze-related conditions under the Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme. Singapore citizens seeking treatment at polyclinics will pay no more than S$10, as part of efforts to ensure accessible healthcare amid ongoing air quality challenges.
A recent local study underscores the health risks linked to haze, showing that a 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 correlates with a 3.2 percent rise in emergency visits for asthma and lung disease within two days, reinforcing concerns about the ongoing episode’s public health implications.