Free Oximeters For Households in Singapore: Temasek Foundation

Singapore’s Temasek Foundation has recently announced that it will give away one free oximeter for every Singaporean household as part of its Stay Prepared Initiative.

A sample of one of the oximeters being given away to Singaporean households. Credit: Temasek Foundation

The Foundation is giving away oximeters, provided by biotechnology companies Lepu and Yuwell, to help Singaporeans regularly monitor their blood oxygen level. This is due to one of COVID-19’s most serious consequences: silent pneumonia. According to the Foundation, this is to help Singaporeans to monitor their health as one of COVID-19’s most serious consequences is silent pneumonia, “where seriously ill people can feel generally well, despite damaged lungs”.

However, having a low blood oxygen level does not necessarily confirm that someone is infected with COVID-19. Low blood oxygen levels can also be caused by other illnesses such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

This blood oxygen level test does not replace a COVID-19 test, so those who have experienced low blood oxygen levels and suspect that they may be infected with COVID-19 are advised to seek medical attention immediately for quarantine and testing. Those who detected low blood oxygen levels and do not have COVID-19 are also encouraged to consult their doctor to find out the cause.

Some NTUC outlets will accept redemption tabs from people who wish to get a free oximeter. Credit: FairPrice

All residential households will receive a Stay Prepared leaflet with a redemption tab by 3 July 2021. Those who wish to receive a free oximeter will have to present the original leaflet at any nearest participating NTUC FairPrice outlet (excluding FairPrice Xpress at petrol kiosks), Sheng Shiong, Giant, Cold Storage, Watsons, Unity and Guardian outlets. Participating outlets will give away oximeters from 5 July 2021 to 5 August 2021 only. Head over to the Stay Prepared website to know which of the participating outlets is nearest to you.

People who wish to claim oximeters on behalf of other households may do so by presenting that household’s leaflet at the participating outlets.

To use the oximeter, place the device around any of your fingertips with the display facing you. Press the button on the oximeter to get a reading of your blood oxygen level and your heart rate which is displayed under the SpO2 and PR BPM signs, respectively. Use a disinfecting sanitiser to wipe the oximeter before and after use if you plan on sharing it with someone else.

Defective oximeters can be exchanged for a working one at Temasek Shophouse from 5 July 2021 to 31 August 2021 at 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and 11 AM to 5 PM on weekends. Receivers of defective oximeters are advised to bring the oximeter and its box in original condition along with a government-issued identification card for verification purposes.

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Written by John Paul Joaquin