Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

Health & Medicine

Eligible S'poreans to get subsidies for haze-related conditions at polyclinics & some GP clinics from Oct. 12, 2026

The last time the Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) was activated was in 2015.

Eligible S'poreans to get subsidies for haze-related conditions at polyclinics & some GP clinics from Oct. 12, 2026

Singaporeans will soon be able to receive subsidized treatment for haze-related health issues at both general practitioner clinics and polyclinics starting from October 12, 2026, as part of the Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS). Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced this measure during a press conference on October 11, as the current haze conditions are expected to continue for several more weeks.

The air quality index (PSI) readings across Singapore, ranging from 118 in the north to 149 in the central region, are classified as "unhealthy" when they fall between 101 and 200. Ong highlighted an increase in respiratory-related patient visits to emergency departments over the past week, urging those with less severe symptoms to seek treatment at clinics instead, while more serious cases should still go to emergency departments.

The eligibility criteria for the HSS covers Singapore citizens aged 18 and below, as well as those over 65. Additional eligibility is granted to individuals on the Public Assistance (PA), Pioneer Generation (PG), Merdeka Generation (MG), Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange cardholders, and those with a Medical Fee Exemption Card (MFEC). All Singapore citizens can receive HSS benefits at polyclinics.

The subsidized care ranges from S$5 to S$10, depending on the applicant's scheme. The covered conditions include allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, upper respiratory tract infections, and their complications. Detailed information about the HSS, including the list of participating clinics, can be found on the Ministry of Health's website.

Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at mothership.sg →

More in Health & Medicine

More from Sunday 11 October →