The Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) scheme consolidates the primary care response to public health emergencies into a single scheme for better management, such as those involving influenza, haze, anthrax, etc.
If activated, the Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) enables Singaporeans to access subsidies for outpatient treatment for six haze-related conditions, namely allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), conjunctivitis, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) at PHPCs.
While the specific roles of the PHPC may differ in different threats, the general function of the PHPC remains the same, which is to serve as the first touchpoint for residents and the primary healthcare needs of Singaporeans in times of national need.
Roles of PHPC
As a PHPC, your clinic will be responsible to perform one or more of the following roles when activated during public health emergencies:
- Dispense medications (e.g. Tamiflu, antibiotics)
- Administer vaccinations (e.g. COVID-19, flu vaccines)
- Provide subsidised treatment (e.g. under the HSS)
- Provide early testing of potentially infectious conditions (e.g. ART swab test for COVID-19)
MOH Support to PHPCs
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
| - Up to 12 weeks' supply of PPE for staff at no cost.
- For staff prophylaxis, up to six weeks' supply of influenza anti-virals at no cost.
|
Medications and Vaccines
| For patient treatment, PHPCS will have the priority to receive appropriate antivirals, antibiotics, and/or vaccines from the national stockpile. PHPCs may also choose to procure the anti-virals, antibiotics and/or vaccines from commercial sources.
|
Training and Refresher Courses
| MOH will also provide guidelines, e-learning courses and workshops to enable PHPC doctors and staff to build up their skillsets and maintain skills currency.
|
