Singapore Health Advisory | Updated 11 October 2026
Singapore’s Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) will be activated from 12 October 2026, allowing eligible Singaporeans to receive subsidised treatment for haze-related medical conditions at participating GP clinics and all polyclinics.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the activation on 11 October 2026 following deteriorating air quality caused by transboundary haze. The Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) Scheme is also being activated to support Singapore’s primary healthcare response.
Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, treatment costs, covered illnesses and protecting yourself during the haze.
The Haze Subsidy Scheme is a government initiative that helps eligible Singaporeans obtain affordable outpatient medical treatment for specified haze-related conditions.
It operates through participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics and all polyclinics. Instead of paying the usual unsubsidised consultation and treatment charges, eligible patients pay a capped amount for covered treatment under the scheme.
Official activation date of the Haze Subsidy Scheme, announced by MOH on 11 October 2026. MOH stated that the previous activation was in 2015.
The scheme responds to increasing healthcare needs as haze affects respiratory health, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Eligibility depends on whether you visit a participating PHPC GP clinic or a polyclinic.
Singapore Citizens qualify if they belong to at least one of the following groups:
All Singapore Citizens are eligible for the Haze Subsidy Scheme when seeking treatment for covered haze-related conditions at polyclinics.
MOH has announced three subsidised payment categories for covered haze-related treatment.
| Eligible patient group | Patient payment |
|---|---|
| Public Assistance cardholders | Fully subsidised ($0) |
| Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation seniors | Not more than $5 |
| Other eligible Singapore Citizens | Not more than $10 |
These caps apply to treatment covered under the Haze Subsidy Scheme. They should not be interpreted as a blanket cap on every medical service or unrelated condition.
For example, an eligible adult visiting a polyclinic for a covered haze-related respiratory condition would pay no more than $10 under the scheme.
MOH has identified six categories of conditions, including their complications, for subsidised treatment:
Not every cough, sore throat or breathing complaint is necessarily caused by haze. A healthcare professional will assess your symptoms and determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
If you need treatment, follow these steps to identify a suitable healthcare provider.
Review the eligibility criteria for PHPC clinics or visit a polyclinic if you are a Singapore Citizen seeking treatment for a covered condition.
Use the clinic directory linked from MOH’s official haze information page. Participating clinics may also display a PHPC decal or Haze Subsidy Scheme poster.
Bring your NRIC or other applicable identification and any relevant assistance or generation card. Contact the clinic beforehand if you are uncertain about documentation or eligibility.
Tell the doctor when your symptoms began, whether they have worsened, and whether you have existing conditions such as asthma or COPD.
On 9 October 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) reported 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings between 136 and 192, within the Unhealthy range.
NEA also warned that conditions could deteriorate into the Very Unhealthy range, depending on regional fires and prevailing winds. These figures describe the situation on 9 October and are not live readings.
Haze may irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions may be more vulnerable to adverse effects, particularly during prolonged outdoor exposure.
Check the latest air-quality readings and official activity advisories before planning outdoor exercise, training or events.
Medical subsidies help reduce treatment costs, but reducing unnecessary exposure remains an important preventive measure.
Follow NEA and MOH advisories according to the prevailing PSI, your health status and the intensity and duration of your activity. Consider moving strenuous exercise indoors when air quality deteriorates.
Keep windows closed when outdoor air quality is poor and use appropriate air filtration where available.
People with asthma, COPD or heart disease should keep prescribed medication accessible and follow their clinician’s management plan. Seek medical review if symptoms worsen.
MOH advises that N95 masks are generally unnecessary for short activities such as commuting or for normal indoor environments. If prolonged outdoor exposure cannot be avoided during significant haze, follow official mask advisories and ensure any respirator fits correctly.
Most mild haze-related symptoms can be assessed by a GP or polyclinic. However, serious breathing or cardiovascular symptoms require urgent attention.
Do not delay emergency treatment to obtain a haze subsidy.
For non-emergency respiratory symptoms, MOH encourages residents to seek appropriate primary care rather than unnecessarily attending emergency departments.
Haze highlights the importance of recognising respiratory distress and knowing when an ordinary medical complaint has become an emergency.
First aid training cannot replace medical treatment for asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory conditions. However, it can help individuals recognise warning signs, activate emergency services promptly and provide appropriate assistance while awaiting professional care.
For organisations conducting outdoor training, schools, sports programmes or workplace activities, emergency preparedness should include a plan for deteriorating air quality and participants with existing medical conditions.
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Explore SERA TrainingThe scheme starts on 12 October 2026 at participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics and all polyclinics, following MOH’s announcement on 11 October.
All Singapore Citizens are eligible at polyclinics for covered haze-related conditions. At participating PHPC GP clinics, eligibility is limited to specified age groups and assistance or generation schemes.
Public Assistance cardholders receive fully subsidised treatment under the scheme. Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors pay no more than $5, while other eligible Singapore Citizens pay no more than $10.
No. The subsidy is available at participating PHPC clinics. Check MOH’s clinic directory or look for the PHPC decal or HSS poster.
Yes. Covered conditions include asthma, bronchitis, COPD, upper respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and their complications.
Not necessarily. MOH advises that N95 masks are generally not required for brief exposure, such as commuting. Follow official health advisories based on air quality, exposure duration and individual risk.
Mild or non-emergency symptoms can usually be assessed at a GP clinic or polyclinic. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, collapse or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.
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