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The Star
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Star
S'poreans can test for genetic condition causing high cholesterol levels under new programme
The new genetic testing programme for familial hypercholesterolaemia comes amid broader efforts to enhance preventive care in Singapore. - AFP SINGAPORE: Eligible Singapore residents will be able to screen for a genetic condition which causes high cholesterol levels at a subsidised rate as part of a nationwide programme launching on June 30. In a statement on June 19, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the new genetic testing programme for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) comes amid broader efforts to enhance preventive care in Singapore. The initiative aims to identify individuals with FH early and reduce the risk of premature heart disease with timely interventions. FH is a hereditary condition that impacts the body's ability to process cholesterol, affecting roughly 20,000 people in Singapore. People with the condition are up to 20 times more likely to experience heart attacks at a younger age compared with the general population. In a Facebook post on June 19, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that the Government is looking to expand preventive care based on genetic testing to more diseases beyond FH. 'It is part of our longer term effort to develop predictive preventive care under Healthier SG,' he said. As part of this effort, the ministry aims to open three genomic assessment centres (GACs) to ensure effective, efficient and sustainable delivery of genetic testing services within each healthcare cluster. Genetics testing for FH at these centres will be subsidised for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs). They can also tap on MediSave to offset the cost. Those referred to GACs will undergo: Pre-test genetic counselling to understand potential outcomes and benefits before consenting to the test Blood drawing and the genetic test Post-test genetic counselling, to understand the implications of the results The first GAC will be operated by SingHealth and located at the National Heart Centre. It will start accepting referrals from June 30. This centre will serve all Singapore residents until additional centres open. GACs operated by National Healthcare Group and National University Health System will subsequently open to cater to residents' needs. Immediate family members of those found with the condition are at risk and encouraged to undergo genetic testing, MOH said. Known as cascade screening, this process enables early detection of FH within families. It also allows for more timely intervention and treatment, such as advising them to adopt healthier lifestyles or starting on cholesterol-lowering therapies. Under the programme, Singapore citizens and PRs with abnormally high cholesterol levels may be referred by their doctors for genetic testing. Eligible Singaporeans and PRs can receive subsidies of up to 70 per cent for the costs, which include the genetic tests, pre-test and post-test counselling, and phlebotomy services. Seniors from the Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation are also eligible for additional subsidies. After subsidies, referred patients can expect to pay between US$117 (US$91.06) and US$575. Those eligible for cascade screening can expect to pay between US$53 and US$253 after subsidies. The MediSave500 and MediSave700 scheme can be used to further offset the cost of the genetic test after subsidies. Patients who are 60 years old and above may also use Flexi-MediSave to further defray out-of-pocket costs. Under a moratorium on genetic testing and insurance introduced by MOH and the Life Insurance Association Singapore (LIA) in 2021, life insurers here are banned from using predictive genetic test results in assessing the outcome of insurance applications, unless certain criteria are satisfied. Insurers are also not allowed to use genetic test results from biomedical research or direct-to-consumer genetic test results. MOH said it has worked with the LIA to amend the moratorium to disallow life insurers in Singapore to use the results of all genetic tests conducted under the national FH genetic testing programme. They may, however, continue to request for individuals to disclose existing diagnosed conditions and family history. The amended moratorium will take effect from June 30. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- Straits Times
S'poreans can test for genetic condition causing high cholesterol levels under new programme
The new genetic testing programme for familial hypercholesterolaemia comes amid broader efforts to enhance preventive care in Singapore. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG S'poreans can test for genetic condition causing high cholesterol levels under new programme SINGAPORE - Eligible Singapore residents will be able to screen for a genetic condition which causes high cholesterol levels at a subsidised rate as part of a nationwide programme launching on June 30. In a statement on June 19, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the new genetic testing programme for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) comes amid broader efforts to enhance preventive care in Singapore. The initiative aims to identify individuals with FH early and reduce the risk of premature heart disease with timely interventions. FH is a hereditary condition that impacts the body's ability to process cholesterol, affecting roughly 20,000 people in Singapore. People with the condition are up to 20 times more likely to experience heart attacks at a younger age compared with the general population. In a Facebook post on June 19, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that the Government is looking to expand preventive care based on genetic testing to more diseases beyond FH. 'It is part of our longer term effort to develop predictive preventive care under Healthier SG,' he said. As part of this effort, the ministry aims to open three genomic assessment centres (GACs) to ensure effective, efficient and sustainable delivery of genetic testing services within each healthcare cluster. Genetics testing for FH at these centres will be subsidised for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs). They can also tap on MediSave to offset the cost. Those referred to GACs will undergo: Pre-test genetic counselling to understand potential outcomes and benefits before consenting to the test Blood drawing and the genetic test Post-test genetic counselling, to understand the implications of the results The first GAC will be operated by SingHealth and located at the National Heart Centre. It will start accepting referrals from June 30. This centre will serve all Singapore residents until additional centres open. GACs operated by National Healthcare Group and National University Health System will subsequently open to cater to residents' needs. Immediate family members of those found with the condition are at risk and encouraged to undergo genetic testing, MOH said. Known as cascade screening, this process enables early detection of FH within families. It also allows for timelier intervention and treatment, such as advising them to adopt healthier lifestyles or starting on cholesterol-lowering therapies. Referral criteria and charges Under the programme, Singapore citizens and PRs with abnormally high cholesterol levels may be referred by their doctors for genetic testing. Eligible Singaporeans and PRs can receive subsidies of up to 70 per cent for the costs, which include the genetic tests, pre-test and post-test counselling, and phlebotomy services . Seniors from the Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation are also eligible for additional subsidies. After subsidies, referred patients can expect to pay between $117 and $575 . Those eligible for cascade screening can expect to pay between $53 and $253 after subsidies. The MediSave500 and MediSave700 scheme can be used to further offset the cost of the genetic test after subsidies. Patients who are 60 years old and above may also use Flexi-MediSave to further defray out of pocket costs. Protection of genetic information Under a moratorium on genetic testing and insurance introduced by MOH and the Life Insurance Association Singapore (LIA) in 2021, life insurers here are banned from using predictive genetic test results in assessing the outcome of insurance applications, unless certain criteria are satisfied. Insurers are also not allowed to use genetic test results from biomedical research or direct-to-consumer genetic test results. MOH said it has worked with the LIA to amend the moratorium t o disallow life insurers in Singapore to use the results of all genetic tests conducted under the national FH genetic testing programme. They may, however, continue to request for individuals to disclose existing diagnosed conditions and family history. The amended moratorium will take effect from June 30. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pak hikes defence spending by 20% in budget amid tense relations with India
Pakistan on Tuesday increased its defence budget by 20 per cent, allocating PRs. 2,550 billion (USD 9 billion) for the fiscal year 2025-26, amid tensions with India. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the PRs. (Pakistani Rupees) 17,573 billion worth federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 in the National Assembly. He also presented the budget document as a finance bill in the National Assembly. In his speech, the minister said that the government has 'decided to allocate PRs. 2,550 for the defence of the country'. He didn't provide any further details about the defence spending as traditionally the defence budget is not discussed by the parliament. Last year, the government allocated PRs. 2,122 billion for defence, reflecting a 14.98 per cent increase over PRs. 1,804 billion budgeted for the fiscal year 2023-24. 'This budget is being presented at a historic time when the nation showed unity [and] determination,' the minister said at the start while mentioning the recent Pak-India conflict. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The on-ground hostilities from the Indian and Pakistan sides that lasted for four days ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10. The defence sector expenses are the second-biggest component of the annual expenditure after the debt payments. The government allocated PRs. 8,207 billion for debt servicing, which constitutes the single biggest expense. The increase in the defence expenditure is expected to get the broad support of the lawmakers during the budget debate and voting on the finance bill. Aurangzeb also announced a 4.2 per cent GDP growth target for the economy which is higher than the 2.7 per cent achieved in the current year ending on June 30. He said that debt and interest servicing would cost PRs. 8,207 billion. Other key expenses include PRs. 971 billion for civil administration, PRs. 1,186 billion for subsidies, PRs. 1,055 billion for pensions and PRs. 1,000 billion for the Public Sector Development Programme. He said that the target for inflation was 7.5 per cent and the fiscal deficit target was 3.9 per cent as the government also announced to contain the deficit and achieve a primary surplus. The minister said that the government has set an ambitious tax collection target for the Federal Board of Revenue at PRs. 14,131 billion, an 8.95 per cent increase from last year's goal. Aurangzeb said that the main success of the government was that inflation was reduced to 4.7 per cent in the outgoing fiscal whereas it was 29.2 per cent two years ago, while the government achieved a current account surplus of USD 1.5 billion. He said the forex reserves will touch USD 14 billion by the end of the year and remittances were expected to reach USD 38 billion.
Economic Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Pakistan Budget FY26: From GDP to fiscal deficit, capital expenditure, here's how it stands against India
Pakistan unveiled its FY26 federal budget, reducing spending by 7% to $62 billion. The nation targets 3.6% growth. Fiscal deficit aims for 3.9% of GDP. Capital expenditure is set at Pakistan Rs 17.57 trillion. Nominal GDP growth is projected at 4.2% for 2025-26. This follows a 2.7% growth this fiscal year. The government aims to stabilize the economy. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads After facing major blows following tensions with India, Pakistan announced its federal budget for FY26 on Tuesday, shrinking overall spending by 7% with growth target at 4.2% for the fiscal Pakistan's growth lags far behind the region. In 2024, South Asian countries grew by an average of 5.8% and 6.0% growth is expected in 2025, according to the Asian Development India bombed nine terror sites of Pakistan, the country in its Budget FY26 increased its defence expenditure by 20%. The government of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented a budget that allocated $9 billion for defence spending in debt has increased to PRs 76,000 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to the economic survey, which indicated that the cash-strapped country's economy is likely to grow by 2.7 per cent this minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the fiscal deficit for FY25 is projected at 4.8% of GDP, with a target of 4.4% for the other hand, Pakistan has set a target of 3.9% of its capital expenditure of India was lowered to Rs 10.18 lakh crore from Rs 11.11 lakh crore estimated earlier for FY25. Pakistan on Tuesday set it at PRs 17.57 Budget 2025-26, India has set a nominal GDP growth target of 10.1% for FY26, slightly above the 9.7% achieved in the previous fiscal. Sharif's government has projected 4.2% economic growth in 2025-26. Growth in Pakistan this fiscal year is likely to be 2.7%, against an initial target of 3.6% set in the budget last debt has increased to PRs 76,000 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to the economic survey, which indicated that the cash-strapped country's economy is likely to grow by 2.7 per cent this the first nine months of the current fiscal year, the government's debt increased to PRs (Pakistani Rupees) 76,000 billion, including PRs 51,500 billion from local banks and PRs 24,500 billion in loans from external sources, according to the document, which comes a day before the presentation of the a press conference after launching the economic survey, Aurangzeb said the GDP growth in 2023 was -0.2pc, which rose to 2.5pc in Pakistan Finance Minister said that the forex reserves as of June 30, 2024, were $9.4 billion, which was a remarkable recovery from 2023 when Pakistan was down to two weeks of import cover. He said foreign exchange reserves rose to $16.64 billion in 2025.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan once again choses arms over 'aam aadmi'
Pakistan might have once again made it clear that it will prioritise arms over the 'aam aadmi .' The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced its federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26 on Tuesday, shrinking overall spending by 7% to 17.57 trillion rupees ($62 billion) but raising defence expenditure by a steep 20%. The Pakistan government presented a budget that allocated 2.55 trillion rupees ($9 billion) for defence spending in FY26, compared to 2.12 trillion in the fiscal year ending this month. It projected a fiscal deficit of 3.9% against a targeted 5.9% deficit in 2024-25. Inflation was projected at 7.5% and growth at 4.2%. Pakistan has been back from the brink of bankruptcy and is still not out of danger. Its economy, which broke down after the pandemic, is barely recovering while the country survives on loans. Live Events Pakistan aims to spur economic growth while allocating funds for a significant defence budget increase, following setbacks from India's retaliatory strikes last month. It also has to manage remaining within the discipline of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and the uncertainty from new trade tariffs being imposed by the United States, its biggest export market. Pakistan lags far behind its peers Pakistan's growth lags far behind the region. In 2024, South Asian countries grew by an average of 5.8% and 6.0% growth is expected in 2025, according to the Asian Development Bank. Compared to India, Pakistan is light years behind. Sharif's government has projected 4.2% economic growth in 2025-26, saying it has steadied the economy, which had looked at risk of defaulting on its debts as recently as 2023. Growth this fiscal year is likely to be 2.7%, against an initial target of 3.6% set in the budget last year. Expansion of the economy should be aided by a sharp drop in the cost of borrowing, the government says, after a succession of interest rate cuts by the central bank. But economists warn that monetary policy alone may not be enough, with fiscal constraints and IMF-mandated reforms still weighing on investment. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Monday that he wanted to avoid Pakistan's boom and bust cycles of the past. Pakistan's struggling economy Pakistan's debt has increased to PRs 76,000 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to the country's economic survey. Pakistan's foreign-exchange reserves have barely surpassed $15 billion, while India's reserves exceed $688 billion. The years post covid saw Pakistan's economy unravel. Pakistan, the richest country in South Asia 50 years ago, was reduced to the poorest due to bad governance, military dictatorships and adoption of promoting cross-border terror as state policy. Just as it witnessed political turmoil over the jailing of its former Prime Minister Imran Khan and a virulent insurgency in Balochistan, bankruptcy stared it in the face. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged Pakistanis to cut down on tea because the country imported tea and for that it had to borrow money. The statement highlighted the precarious condition of Pakistan's foreign reserves. Pakistan's $350 billion economy struggled as inflation rose to record high of 38.50% in May 2023, with growth turning negative, reserves shrinking to barely a couple of weeks of controlled imports, and interest rates jumping to 22%. It had reserves of just $3.7 billion remaining. For nearly five years, it remained on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for terror funding which made access to loans difficult. The economic crisis was the most prolonged, pushing the country to the brink of a sovereign default in the summer of 2023. With Pakistan's debt-to-GDP ratio in a danger zone of 70%, and between 40% and 50% of government revenues earmarked for interest payments in 2023, only default-stricken Sri Lanka, Ghana and Nigeria were worse off. What pulled it back from the brink of sovereign default was a $3 billion short-term financial bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Long-time allies Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China also rolled over billions of dollars in loans.
