Haze sends more to the doctors

NST JOHOR BARU: As the haze index here remains at the "unhealthy" level, the number of patients at several clinics is also increasing.
A random check with several doctors in town have shown that there was an increase in the number of patients due to the haze.
Veteran surgeon Datuk Dr K.L. Siow, who runs a private practice in Taman Johor Jaya said he had about 30 per cent more patients consulting him.
"Those suffering from chronic lung disease, the older generation and children are most vulnerable to the haze. If the API readings were to increase, wearing a mask would be advisable," he said.
He said patients also complained of dry eyes. He claimed that the haze was worse than second-hand smoke from smokers.
Dr C.H. Boo, who has a private clinic in Taman Universiti said most of his patients complained of respiratory problems.
He said the number of patients at his clinic rose by about 25 per cent since the haze hit Johor.