Singapore’s Healthcare System Under Pressure; Hospitals Focus on Critical Cases
Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated on September 19, 2021 that the country’s healthcare system, particularly its accident and emergency (A&E) departments and general wards, are facing significant pressure due to the rise in Covid-19 cases. Ong highlighted the importance of young, fully vaccinated individuals recovering at home to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed.
In a Facebook post, Ong emphasized that hospitals and healthcare workers are at risk of being overburdened, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) working hard to manage the situation, though intensive care unit (ICU) capacity remains stable.
Ong’s comments came as the MOH reported a surge in mild respiratory cases at public hospitals, where patients are encouraged to seek care from general practitioners (GPs) or polyclinics if their symptoms are not severe. Several hospitals, including Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, posted similar messages, urging non-critical cases to avoid the A&E.
In Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where Covid-19 cases are being triaged, patients with confirmed cases are admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, while those suspected of being infected are placed in designated wards.
