What are PPCs?
PPCs or Pandemic Preparedness Clinics are primary healthcare providers that form a vital part of the Health Ministry's Flu Pandemic Response Framework.
PPCs are supported with Personal Protection Equipment and Tamiflu from the national stockpile to help manage the flu outbreak in the community. All polyclinics are also part of the PPC framework. Being located islandwide, PPCs will help ensure easy access to medical assessment and prompt treatment for people with flu-like illnesses. PPCs have undergone the necessary training to enable them to manage both flu and patients with other health conditions safely. Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPCs) can be recognised by the “H1N1 ready” symbol.
Who should visit PPCs
Members of the public who develop flu-like symptoms or influenza-like illness (e.g. fever, cough, sore-throat, runny nose) can visit the Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPC) or polyclinic for initial assessment and treatment.
Doctors would exercise clinical judgment in prescribing anti-virals (eg Tamiflu) on a case by case basis, taking into account patients risk of developing influenza related complications, prevalence of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in our community and after weighing the risks and benefits of treatment. Depending on the severity of their illness and other risk factors, they may be referred to the hospital for further management. The hospitals will increasingly focus on managing more complex cases.
Information as provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Singapore
Useful Links