Public Assistance cardholders will receive fully subsidized treatment for haze-related conditions, while other eligible Singaporeans face a maximum out-of-pocket cost of S$10. Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors will pay no more than S$5 for medical visits at participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics and polyclinics. This initiative marks the first reactivation of the scheme since 2015, a year characterized by severe regional smoke impacts from forest fires.
The subsidy scheme covers specific respiratory and eye conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, and upper respiratory tract infections. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated the move aims to support primary care access as transboundary haze affects the nation. Doctors at participating clinics will evaluate each patient to determine if their condition qualifies for the subsidy coverage.
All Singapore citizens are eligible for the subsidized rates at polyclinics. Participation at private GP clinics is limited to children aged 18 and below, seniors aged 65 and above, and holders of specific assistance cards, such as those under the CHAS Blue, Orange, or Medical Fee Exemption schemes. The Ministry of Health will also coordinate primary care responses through its Public Health Preparedness Clinic network to manage the influx of patients.
While schools may face potential closures if PSI levels reach the hazardous range, student care centers and kindergarten facilities will maintain operations from 7 am to 7 pm to ensure continued support for families. The Ministry of Education will communicate any closure decisions via official channels by 8 pm on the preceding evening, with affected students transitioning to home-based learning.