To better detect and manage COVID-19 infections, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is re-activating the Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs).

From 18 February, general practitioner (GP) clinics designated as PHPCs will provide investigation and subsidised treatment for those with respiratory symptoms such as such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

To date, there are more than 800 PHPCs. You can locate your nearest PHPC clinic at phpc.gov.sg. Do bring along your NRIC or birth certificate, along with your PG/MG/PA and CHAS card (where applicable), when visiting a PHPC clinic.

Those suspected to have pneumonia will be referred to the hospitals for further tests and care.

You can also identify these preparedness clinics from this PHPC decal at these clinics.

What are Public Health Preparedness Clinics?

They are general practitioner (GP) clinics that will care for those with respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose. They will provide subsidised treatment, investigation, and medications.

They were activated previously to deal with haze and the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Why do we need them?

This is another line of defence that MOH is put in to better detect and manage COVID-19.

Subsidised treatments

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Resident diagnosed with respiratory illnesses (e.g. common cold) will pay a flat subsidised rate of $10 for consultation and treatment of the condition at any of the PHPCs.

The same subsidies also apply to polyclinics.

Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation seniors will pay $5.

Rest and recover

MOH has advised doctors to provide medical certificates (MC) of five days for patients with respiratory symptoms to stay home to recover. Those who do not recover within five days will be referred for further medical assessment and tests.

Should your symptoms persist or deteriorate, you should return to the same doctor to seek further treatment.

Exercise good social responsibility

Stay home if you are unwell. Mixing in large crowds, or continuing to go to work or school, even when you have mild symptoms, will put others at risk.

These measures will only be effective if everyone plays their part, and exercises social responsibility. The most effective method to prevent transmission remains through good personal hygiene.