SINGAPORE — Both hospitals and polyclinics have put in place contingency plans should the haze persist for a prolonged length of time, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong at a visit to Toa Payoh Polyclinic this morning, as he inspected measures there to cope with the haze.

He said that the healthcare institutions are addressing priorities, such as meeting demand for healthcare services if the haze conditions persist, as well as how to minimise disruptions to services.

One strategy will be at look at deploying manpower from the less urgent areas, to the more critical ones. Some spaces will be converted into beds if demand surges, but so far, the impact from the haze has been manageable, he said.

Both polyclinics and hospitals have also looked at emergency power supply to ensure essential services continue, as well as checked their medication supplies to ensure sufficient stock.

However, Mr Gan flagged out polyclinics as a more important area, as outpatient care is the frontline.

All National Healthcare Group polyclinics have already put some measures in place, such as being on high alert for patients with respiratory problems at the triage area. Once the PSI hits above 300, air-conditioned conference rooms within the polyclinics will be converted into waiting areas. Air-conditioned tents at certain polyclinics with sufficient space on the premises may also be considered.