Data on Increase in Daily Volume of Patient Visits to Polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics from Surge of COVID-19 Infections

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked 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.

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 provides grants, enables test centres to certify infections, and has been encouraging those who experience mild or no symptoms to recover at home.