245 students referred to HSA for vaping by schools, tertiary institutions from April 1 to June 30

SINGAPORE – From April 1 to June 30, 245 students were referred to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) by schools and institutes of higher learning for vaping.

In the same three-month period, more than 480 young people received smoking and vaping cessation counselling, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the HSA in a joint statement on Aug 11.

The authorities also announced that a programme for individuals to voluntarily seek help to quit etomidate abuse – called QuitVape – will cease on Sept 1.

Since the launch of the programme in September 2025, awareness of the harms of etomidate abuse has increased and the take-up rate for QuitVape has moderated, said MOH and HSA.

Between Sept 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, 188 people, aged between 15 to 44 years old, enrolled in QuitVape of their own accord, the two authorities added.

Those who wish to seek help for etomidate abuse can still approach the Institute of Mental Health. Individuals already on QuitVape before Sept 1 will continue to get support to complete their programme.

Vapes laced with the anaesthetic agent etomidate are known as Kpods, which can trigger zombie-like behaviour in users, along with seizures and psychotic episodes.

QuitVape allowed abusers to get help kicking the habit without any penalties or a record of an offence.

For vaping that does not involve etomidate, the Health Promotion Board continues to offer the I Quit programme. Call 1800-438-2000 for more information.

In their Aug 11 statement, MOH and HSA said that those who seek help voluntarily will not be penalised or have an offence record for coming forward.

Anyone caught abusing etomidate and regular vaporisers will still be subject to penalties accordingly, they added.