Air-conditioning B2 and C Class Hospital Wards to Keep Out Haze, Dust and Noise

Mr K Karthikeyan asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider providing air-conditioning for B2 and C class hospital wards as all other facilities, including the waiting and triage areas, are air-conditioned and acts as protection from haze, dust and noise from the outside.

The B2 and C class wards are currently designed for natural ventilation, taking into account affordability and infection control considerations. Some patients, particularly the elderly, also prefer a non-air-conditioned environment similar to their own homes.

However, MOH does take additional measures when the environmental conditions warrant it. For example, when the haze intensified last year, MOH provided funding to healthcare institutions to purchase air purifiers and portable air coolers for use in naturally ventilated wards. This equipment can be used during a sustained severe haze, should it occur again. In addition to this, we are also looking at incorporating additional filter systems in the naturally ventilated patient wards for new healthcare facilities.