Surge in primary care visits due to Omicron variant

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Ms Ng Ling Ling
MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question No. 1660

To ask the Minister for Health in view of the continued surge of COVID-19 infections due to the Omicron variant and the emergence of Omicron sub-variant BA.2 overseas (a) whether the Ministry has data on the increase in daily volume of patient visits to the polyclinics and the Public Health Preparedness Clinics in the past month; (b) if so, what is the data; (c) what is the expected volume for the next three months; and (d) what relief for manpower can these clinics tap on when short-handed.

Written Answer

Given that primary care is the first line of care, we have observed a 140% increase in daily average attendances due to Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) at the Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) and polyclinics from 9,100 in January 2022 to 21,810 in February 2022. However, as the Omicron wave wanes, which it will, the cases will fall.

To support the primary care sector, MOH provide grants, enable test centres to certify infections, and has been encouraging those who experience mild or no symptoms to recover at home.