Haze Subsidy Scheme: MOH replies

MOH's Reply 

We thank Mr Yiu Wing Lit (“Clear the air over haze subsidy”, 28 Oct 2015) and Mr Chan Kai Weng (“Conditions met, but patient denied haze subsidy”, 29 Oct 2015) for sharing their feedback.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) activated the Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) on 16 Sep 2015 to help Singaporeans with their haze-related medical needs. Those eligible include children aged 18 and below, seniors aged 65 and above and lower and middle-income Singaporeans. The Scheme is offered at polyclinics and participating GP clinics.

The haze-related conditions covered by the Scheme are allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infections. When a patient seeks treatment at a participating clinic, the doctor assesses and determines whether the condition is eligible for the Scheme. He/she is in the best position to medically evaluate if the case being treated falls within the medical conditions covered, and is indeed haze-related.

Our colleagues from the Agency for Integrated Care have contacted the GPs who had treated Mr Yiu’s son and Mr Chan’s daughter to better understand their cases. In both cases, the GPs have informed us why they had not allowed for claims under the HSS and their assessments have been found to be appropriate.

We will be glad to assist Mr Yiu and Mr Chan should they require further clarification.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)

Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health