Hazy Days: How Singapore is Preparing for The Haze and Why You Should Too

Is Singapore prepared for the haze?

The Ministry of Health has a reserve of N95 masks, and is ready to release them to retail pharmacies in the event of a shortage.

There are also plans to distribute masks to low-income and vulnerable residents in the event of a severe haze episode in Singapore.

How did the haze come about?

Due to two climate phenomena- El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole.

El Nino is a weather phenomenon that brings hotter and drier conditions to Southeast Asia, while the positive Indian Ocean Dipole causes warmer sea surface temperatures in the Western Indian Ocean.

These drier and hotter conditions can result in vegetation fires, and hence increase the risk of transboundary haze in Singapore.

Should I be concerned?

Children, elderly, and people with chronic lung disease, heart disease are more sensitive to the health effects of haze. In addition, it is advised that pregnant women reduce exposure to haze for the health of their unborn baby.

How will the haze affect me and my family?

Haze particles can affect the heart and lungs, especially in people who already have chronic heart or lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis or heart failure.

Among healthy individuals, short-term exposure, such as continuous exposure to unhealthy daily average PSI levels over a period of a few days, to high levels of haze particles may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat in healthy individuals.

What should I do if I experience the above symptoms?

You may book an appointment with Intemedical here at any one of our branches- Kovan, Potong Pasir, Teck Ghee or Tampines.

Intemedical offers a wide range of key services- for a more comprehensive list, you may visit our page here and reach out to us should you become affected by the haze.

Remember to stay hydrated and don a proper mask during the haze season.

Visit any of our clinics below if you need to see a doctor. All clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

What To Know About Healthier SG with Intemedical Clinic

What is Healthier SG?

Healthier SG is a plan by the Ministry of Health to focus on better health and quality of life for everyone.

With Healthier SG, Singaporeans will have:

1. A choice of your preferred family clinic that will guide you to stay healthy;

2. A customised Health Plan and support you to achieve your health goals;

3. Access to community programmes to help you stay active and healthy.

Scroll down to pre-enrol at Intemedical Clinics near you now!

How will I benefit from Healthier SG?

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How do I start my Healthier SG journey?

Check your eligibility:

Depending on your age and condition, Healthier SG is open for enrolment in two batches:

​Early Enrolment (before July 2023) 40 years and above, with existing chronic illness Regularly visits a Healthier SG clinic Pre-enrol at Intemedical Clinics near you now:	​Kick off (from July 2023) 60 years and above Singaporeans or PRs

Enrol @ Kovan

Enrol @ Potong Pasir

Enrol @ Teck Ghee

Enrol @ Tampines

Depending on your eligibility, you can follow the step-by-step guide below to kickstart your Healthier SG journey:

01 Choose Intemedical

Download the HealthHub App and select Intemedical as your preferred clinic

02 Book Visit

Make an appointment for your free first onboarding health consultation

03 Health Plan

Receive your personalised health plan with lifestyle and health advice

04 Screening & Vaccination

Get nationally recommended health screening and vaccinations free

05 Follow Up

Visit us at regular intervals and track your health progress

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

Wait, GPFirst!: Visit Your Neighbourhood GPs First for Common Conditions

What is GPFirst?

The GPFirst programme encourages people with mild to moderate medical conditions to visit their General Practitioners (GPs) first, rather than going directly to the Emergency Department (ED).

Going to the GP first allows you to receive timely medical treatment for your condition, and enables EDs to focus on more urgent cases requiring medical attention.

How does GPFirst work?

If you visit Intemedical for a checkup and are referred to the emergency department (ED) via the GPFirst Programme upon assessment of your condition, you will receive a $50 subsidy on the prevailing ED attendance fee of the hospital that you are referred to.*

When should I visit Intemedical instead of an ED?

You should visit Intemedical if you are experiencing:

• Abdominal Pain or Indigestion

• Cold and Flu

• Cuts & Open Wounds

• Fever

• Headaches

• Hives

• Bruises

• Cellulitis

• ​Insect Bites & Stings

• Mild Burns & Scalds

• Diarrhoea & Vomiting

• Nosebleeds

• Sore Eyes

• Strains & Sprains

• Hypertension

Based on the assessment by Intemedical, you will be referred to an acute hospital or Urgent Care Centre in your region. The participating EDs and Urgent Care Centers (UCCs) are as follows:

• Changi General Hospital (CGH)

• Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH)

• National University Hospital (NUH) – Adult ED only

• Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH)

• Sengkang General Hospital (SKH)

• Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

• Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)

• Alexandra Urgent Care Centre (AH UCC)

• Urgent Care Centre (UCC) @ Admiralty

Go to the hospital emergency department only for emergencies that could result in serious complications or death, e.g. strokes, heart attacks, serious injuries.

* Terms and Conditions Apply. Receiving Emergency Departments will determine if the subsidy is applicable.

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Whatsapp (message only): 8879 9404

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp (message only): 8022 3129

Teck Ghee Clinic

Address: 338 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 #01-1625 Singapore 560338

Landline: 6904 9579

WhatsApp (message only): 8061 6220

Tampines Clinic

Address: 201E Tampines Street 23 #01-96 Singapore 527201

Landline: 6223 3803

WhatsApp (message only): 8065 0191

We look forward to seeing you and doing our part in keeping the community healthy!