Clinics prepare with increased manpower and medication supplies ahead of possible future spikes
SINGAPORE: The latest COVID-19 wave in Singapore has peaked, with patient loads gradually stabilizing, according to doctors. Despite a 20% drop from December’s peak levels, some clinics continue to manage higher-than-usual volumes of patients, predominantly those with respiratory infections.
Clinics are already preparing for potential surges, stocking up on medications and adjusting manpower as they anticipate another spike in the months ahead, particularly around festive periods and travel seasons.
Current Situation
Healthway Medical reports daily visits from 50 to 60 patients with respiratory infections across its 57 clinics. COVID-19 and influenza cases remain the primary contributors to this increase, although numbers have slightly dropped since the Christmas peak.
“The wave of upper respiratory tract infection cases has plateaued, with most people back from holiday travels,” said Dr. John Cheng, head of primary care at Healthway Medical Group.
Similarly, OneCare Medical notes a stabilization of cases across its 38 clinics. “We believe the acute respiratory infection (ARI) wave has already peaked,” said Dr. Jimmy Chew, CEO of OneCare Medical. He expects case numbers to return to baseline in the coming weeks, barring external factors such as cold weather or circulating ARI strains.
Festive Gatherings and Travel
The Chinese New Year season poses additional risks for ongoing gatherings and off-peak travel. “We might still see some infectious diseases circulating, though the peak seems to be behind us,” Dr. Chew added.
Resource Preparedness
Clinic chains are adopting a proactive approach to mitigate potential surges. Unihealth, for example, has increased its medication inventory by 30% and plans to deploy additional manpower as needed.
“We’re keeping close surveillance of the situation. If cases rise again, we’ll ensure shorter waiting times by deploying more staff,” said Dr. Daniel Soong, medical director at Unihealth Clinic.
Although current numbers show a downward trend, clinics remain vigilant, ready to adapt to any new developments in the months ahead.
