245 students referred to HSA for vaping by schools, tertiary institutions from April 1 to June 30
In the same three-month period, more than 480 young people received smoking and vaping cessation counselling.
Over a three-month period between April 1 and June 30, schools and tertiary institutions in Singapore referred a total of 245 students to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for vaping. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and HSA reported that this was accompanied by over 480 cases of smoking and vaping cessation counselling provided to young people during the same timeframe, as announced in a joint statement on August 11.
Furthermore, the authorities unveiled a voluntary program called QuitVape, aimed at individuals seeking help to quit etomidate abuse. This program, however, will conclude on September 1. Since its inception in September 2025, QuitVape has managed to raise awareness about the dangers of etomidate abuse, and the take-up rate for the program has stabilized. Between September 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, 188 individuals aged between 15 to 44 years old voluntarily enrolled in QuitVape, according to MOH and HSA.
For those who wish to seek assistance for etomidate abuse, alternatives are available. The Institute of Mental Health remains an option, and individuals currently enrolled in QuitVape before September 1 will continue receiving support to complete their program. The Health Promotion Board continues to provide the I Quit programme for vaping that does not involve etomidate. Those interested in more information can call 1800-438-2000.
MOH and HSA emphasized that voluntary seekers will not face penalties or have an offense record for coming forward. However, anyone caught abusing both etomidate and regular vaporizers will still be subject to penalties as per the existing regulations.
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