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Ministry of Health
Parliamentary QA

INCREASE IN HAZE-RELATED ATTENDANCES AT POLYCLINICS AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS DURING RECENT HAZE EPISODE

3 November 2026

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1497

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 NOVEMBER 2026

 

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Joan Pereira

MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC


Question No. 3282

To ask 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.

 

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1493

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 NOVEMBER 2026

 

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms He Ting Ru

MP for Sengkang GRC


Question No. 2279

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what has been the change in respiratory-related attendances at polyclinics and emergency departments since the start of the haze in September 2026; (b) what additional support is available to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions; and (c) whether the Ministry will publish any estimate of the healthcare costs arising from the haze, and how these are shared between the Government and patients.


Answer


1            Mr Speaker, my response will also address written Question 20 in today’s Order Paper.

2            As for now, there is limited evidence of long-term health effects from periodic haze exposure in Singapore.

3            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.                

4            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.

5            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.