Latest news with #SingHealth
Malay Mail
20 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Singapore to launch nationwide genetic testing for hereditary cholesterol disorder
SINGAPORE, June 20 — Singapore will begin a national genetic testing programme for a potentially life-threatening cholesterol disorder on June 30, the country's Ministry of Health (MOH) announced yesterday. The initiative targets early detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a hereditary condition that impairs the body's ability to manage cholesterol levels. Left untreated, FH can raise the risk of heart attacks by up to 20 times, particularly at a younger age. An estimated 20,000 people in Singapore may be affected by FH. The new programme will be rolled out at three Genomic Assessment Centres (GACs), each operated by one of Singapore's healthcare clusters. The first centre — run by SingHealth — will be housed at the National Heart Centre and will begin accepting referrals from June 30. Two more centres, under the National Healthcare Group and National University Health System, will open in stages. The GACs will provide both pre- and post-test genetic counselling to help patients understand the outcomes and implications of their test results. The test involves a blood draw and genetic analysis to confirm the presence of FH. Who qualifies for testing? Singaporeans and permanent residents with LDL-C cholesterol levels of 5.5mmol/L (212mg/dL) or higher — considered abnormally high — may be referred for FH testing. If confirmed to have FH, their immediate family members, including parents, siblings and children, will also be encouraged to undergo testing through a process known as cascade screening. 'This allows for timelier intervention and treatment, such as advising them to adopt healthier lifestyles and starting them on cholesterol-lowering therapies, if necessary,' said MOH. Subsidies and costs The total cost of FH testing — covering blood collection, lab analysis, and counselling sessions — will be subsidised by up to 70 per cent for eligible Singaporeans and permanent residents. After subsidies, patients can expect to pay between S$117 (RM387) and S$575. Immediate family members of FH-positive individuals can expect subsidised costs of between S$53 and S$253. Additional financial support is available through the MediSave500/700 schemes, and seniors aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. MOH noted that most patients who test positive for FH will require long-term management through medication and lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and regular exercise, to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Patients are encouraged to continue follow-ups with their primary care provider, such as polyclinics or GP clinics. Those enrolled in Healthier SG will also have access to subsidised chronic medication for FH. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post yesterday that the programme reflects Singapore's push toward predictive preventive care. 'We want to expand preventive care based on genetic testing to more diseases, beyond FH,' he wrote. 'It is part of our longer-term effort to develop predictive preventive care under Healthier SG.'
CNA
a day ago
- Health
- CNA
Singapore launches national genetic testing programme for inherited cholesterol condition
SINGAPORE: Singapore will on Jun 30 start a national genetic testing programme for an inherited cholesterol condition, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Thursday (Jun 19). The programme aims to identify individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) early and reduce the risk of premature heart disease for these individuals with timely interventions. An estimated 20,000 people in Singapore have FH, a condition that affects the body's ability to process cholesterol. People with FH face a "significantly higher risk" – up to 20 times more – of experiencing heart attacks at a younger age compared with the general population. It is a hereditary condition. MOH plans to open three Genomic Assessment Centres (GAC) within each of the three healthcare clusters. The first, operated by SingHealth, will be located at the National Heart Centre. It will start accepting referrals from Jun 30. Two other centres, operated by the National Healthcare Group and National University Health System, will be opened subsequently. Individuals referred to these centres will undergo pre-test genetic counselling to understand potential outcomes and benefits before the test, the drawing of blood and the test. They will also get post-test genetic counselling to understand the implications of the results. WHO QUALIFIES? Singaporeans and permanent residents with "abnormally high" cholesterol levels may be referred by their doctors to the GAC for FH genetic testing. Abnormally high levels refer to LDL-C levels of more than or equal to 5.5mmol/L or 212mg/dL. If a person tests positive for FH, their immediate family members – parents, siblings and children – will be at risk and are encouraged to undergo genetic testing. This process is known as cascade screening and enables early detection of FH within families. "In turn, it allows for timelier intervention and treatment, such as advising them to adopt healthier lifestyles and starting them on cholesterol-lowering therapies, if necessary, to reduce their risk of premature heart disease," said MOH. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said: "We want 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." HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? The costs for FH genetic testing include the drawing of blood, tests, as well as pre-test and post-test counselling. At the GACs, eligible Singaporeans and permanent residents can get means-tested subsidies of up to 70 per cent for these costs. Seniors from the Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation are eligible for additional subsidies. After subsidies, patients who are referred to do FH testing can expect to pay between S$117 (US$91) and S$575. Eligible immediate family members of those who have tested positive for FH can expect to pay between S$53 and S$253 after subsidies. MediSave500/700 can be used to further offset the cost of the genetic test after subsidies. Patients who are 60 and above may also use Flexi-MediSave to further defray out-of-pocket costs. Most patients who test positive for FH will require a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and physical activity, to achieve a healthy cholesterol level and prevent premature heart disease, MOH said. "Patients are advised to follow up with a primary care provider at the polyclinics or general practitioner (GP) clinics, or with their family doctor if they are enrolled in Healthier SG for continued management. Subsidies are available for selected chronic medications," it added. INSURANCE A moratorium on genetic testing and insurance was introduced by MOH and the Life Insurance Association Singapore (LIA) in October 2021. Under this agreement, life insurers in Singapore are not allowed to use predictive genetic test results in assessing or deciding 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 has worked with the LIA to amend the moratorium to disallow life insurers in Singapore from using the results of all genetic tests - both predictive and diagnostic - conducted under the national FH genetic testing programme. "As with standard insurance underwriting practice, they may however request individuals to disclose existing diagnosed conditions (including FH) and family history.
CNA
04-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Commentary: Singapore's journey from cybersecurity to cybermaturity
SINGAPORE: Seven years ago, Singaporeans were shocked when a cyberattack resulted in the theft of personal data belonging to about 1.5 million SingHealth patients, including then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Yet, 2018 seems almost like a different age when it comes to cyberthreats. Last June, a ransomware attack on a service provider to the United Kingdom's National Health Service disrupted operations in some hospitals, resulting in thousands of postponed surgeries and appointments. The hackers published almost 400GB of patient data on the dark web subsequently. In February the same year, a ransomware attack in the United States compromised the data of about 190 million people and disrupted insurance processing that left patients the choice of delaying treatment if they could not pay out of pocket. Halfway through 2025, there is no end in sight for the proliferation of this type of attack. A wave of attacks against prominent British retailers began in late April, with Marks & Spencer losing £1 billion (US$1.35 billion) in market value and another £300 million in lost profit expected. In the 10 years since Singapore's Cyber Security Agency (CSA) was set up in April 2015, technology has evolved considerably, and with it has come an expansion of the threat surface. Enterprises are increasingly moving to the cloud, where attackers now exploit weak identity and access management. Malicious actors have also taken to scams, fuelled by AI-generated content and deepfakes. Some target software supply chains or phish employees; others engage in hacktivism. By sheer scale and scope, the lines between cybercrime and cyberthreats to national security have blurred. NOT JUST REACTING Singapore has not confined itself to reacting to an evolving threat environment. It has shored up defences and increased awareness, within government and the private sector, through the creation of Singapore's first Cybersecurity Strategy, the Cybersecurity Act and the Safe Cyberspace Masterplan. These ensure that organisations, particularly in the private sector, have the incentives and tools to implement cybersecurity measures and manage risks before any attacks occur. Amid the increasing use of AI in cyberattacks, CSA launched in 2024 a comprehensive framework for organisations to manage cybersecurity risks throughout the AI system lifecycle. Its SG Cyber Safe programme offers resources such as toolkits and certification schemes like Cyber Trust marks to guide businesses in implementing cybersecurity measures. Cyber diplomacy is also a key aspect, since malicious cyber activity and cybercrime knows no borders. Protecting the digital sovereignty of our country is just as important as safeguarding physical boundaries. Singapore recognises that having a seat at the table to discuss on the dos and don'ts of state cyber activity, is critical for a small state. When, in 2018, the United Nations Group of Government Experts (GGE) was undermined by disagreements between rival blocs, Singapore led ASEAN states to adopt the GGE's voluntary norms of state behaviour in cyberspace. This took place during the Singapore International Cyber Week, which has itself become the key node for regional cyber discussions. Singapore's Ambassador to the United Nations, Burhan Gafoor, has garnered praise for his chairing of the UN's Open-Ended Working Group on cybersecurity and information technology. Singapore has also been a responsible stakeholder when it comes to cyber capacity building, establishing the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in 2019. REALISTIC APPRAISAL OF THE ROAD AHEAD In considering strategies Singapore can pursue, we should not be under any illusions about what can be done. Some cyber practitioners have pushed for 'attributing' cyberattacks, believing that calling out malicious conduct may prevent recurrences. For example, US lawmakers have blamed the Salt Typhoon attacks on US telecommunications infrastructure on Chinese groups. While large states with well-resourced cyber offensive capabilities may take this view, Singapore's position is somewhat different. Observers would have noticed that there was no official attribution of the actor behind the cyberattacks against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2014, nor on SingHealth in 2018. In the latter case, it was made known that a state-backed advanced persistent threat was most likely responsible, but this is as far as the authorities went. This is a space where the threat actors can cover their tracks through technical means, and even our close partners may probe our cyber defences or attempt to exfiltrate valuable information (especially if they feel they can get away with it without being caught). In any case, a small state cannot afford to take the aggressive posture that others do, threatening retaliatory measures in response to every incident. One major challenge is also in identifying and grooming the next generation of cyber defenders, when there is already currently a shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore as is the case globally. FROM SECURITY TO RESILIENCE What more can be done? Cybermaturity requires a mindset shift that recognises cybersecurity as a critical national and personal priority. With CSA as the overall guide, more agencies will need, increasingly, to have skin in the game when it comes to covering digital threats. This process has already started. When one falls victim to online scams or ransomware, one generally thinks to call the police, not the CSA. Under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) that came into effect last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs has the powers to deal with online content which facilitate malicious cyber activities. Technological solutions to counter the malicious use of deepfakes are also something that the SPF is working on, with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency. Beyond policies and frameworks, real resilience requires deeper public investment: a cultural change, greater individual responsibility and baseline awareness. CSA surveys consistently show a troubling gap: There is widespread acknowledgement of the importance of cybersecurity, but considerably fewer believe they are personally at risk. Awareness is also low in key areas such as Internet of Things (IoT) security, even as more invest in smart homes. Silos make us vulnerable to threat actors who are using new tools with increasing sophistication and devolution. For the next leg of our cyber journey, it's worth bearing in mind how CSA CEO David Koh sees it: We need to 'assume breach'. This principle encourages not simply vigilance, but the ability to ensure continuity in a compromised environment. This is the digital future we will have to live with – one brimming with promise, and also peril.
Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Some 800 seniors in 14 active ageing centres to benefit from new dementia prevention programme
The dementia prevention community programme will be rolled out to 14 active ageing centres by 2029. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Some 800 seniors in 14 active ageing centres to benefit from new dementia prevention programme SINGAPORE – About 800 seniors with mild or no cognitive impairment and their caregivers are set to benefit from a dementia prevention community programme which will be rolled out to 14 active ageing centres (AACs) by 2029. The IMPRESS-MIND2S programme is funded to the tune of about $3 million by the National Innovation Challenge on Active and Confident Ageing grant. It is slated to be piloted at the NTUC Health active ageing centre in Redhill in August 2025 for a start, with 60 seniors benefiting from the programme. The initiative, launched by healthcare cluster SingHealth, was announced by Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How on May 30 at the SingHealth Community Forum held at Singapore General Hospital. Under the programme, community nurses will use established screening tools like tests to detect those who have mild cognitive impairment and will benefit from the programme. These selected seniors will then receive personalised health coaching to manage dementia risk factors like diet, exercise, stress management and sleep; and have structured physical activity sessions at AACs. Seniors will also use elderly-friendly tablets called SilverPads to play specially designed games to improve their memory and executive function. Their caregivers will also receive education and support – for example, referrals to respite care and caregiver support groups – to lighten caregiver burden. All in, seniors are expected to attend about three sessions at their AACs a week. SingHealth worked with community partners such as Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, Montfort Care, NTUC Health and Alkin Singapore to co-create the programme. Mr Tan pointed out that based on the second Well-being of the Singapore Elderly study, in 2023, one in 11 seniors aged 60 years and above had dementia. 'This goes beyond another health programme: it is a personalised approach to detecting and delaying cognitive decline, working with seniors who have mild or no cognitive impairment, and their caregivers. ' What makes this approach different from others is how it weaves interventions into daily life, with activities designed to naturally fit into seniors' existing routines,' said Mr Tan. Prof Low Lien Leng, director at SingHealth Centre for Population Health Research and Implementation, said that there is strong evidence that if dementia risk factors are controlled and cognitive function is improved, the risk of developing dementia is lowered. But such measures have not been implemented in the community, and the pilot will offer insights on how that can be done while keeping seniors interested and engaged. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Nationwide research study on age-related muscle loss gets $10 million grant in Singapore
Sarcopenia affects nearly one in three Singaporeans aged 60 years or older. It is key to 'bank' muscle health during younger adulthood to help counter muscle loss, said an expert. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE – Researchers here have secured a $10 million grant for a nationwide programme dedicated to addressing the rising problem of sarcopenia, an age-related disease characterised by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and function. Led by SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, this initiative is Singapore's first large-scale study on sarcopenia, which contributes to frailty and a lower quality of life as one ages. The disease leads to increased risks of falls, lower immunity, poorer recovery after surgery, among other adverse effects, but there are no effective treatments at the moment. If sarcopenia is picked up at all, it is only when people are showing severe symptoms such as loss of muscle mass and strength, said Professor Wang Yibin, director of the cardiovascular and metabolic disorders programme at Duke-NUS Medical School, at a media briefing. 'There's not much of a treatment. We don't have drugs, we can only provide them with dietary management and exercise advice. So still, there's a big mystery behind it and that's the main challenge of our project.' Called Mechanistic Investigation and Clinical Innovation for Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Therapy, or Magnet in short, this research project was awarded the $10 million Open Fund-Large Collaborative Grant by the National Medical Research Council on May 28. It brings together physicians and scientists from different institutes here who want to investigate why and how sarcopenia is triggered along with ageing or other disease states, and to find new ways of treating it. In the five-year study, Magnet will build a biobank of muscles and serum from 1,000 sarcopenia patients. It already has 500 such samples, collected in the past three years from surgical patients at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) under a programme there led by Clinical Associate Professor Frederick Koh, a colorectal surgeon and a Magnet principal investigator. Professor Teh Bin Tean, the deputy chief executive officer of research at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), said he and Prof Koh had worked together to establish the tissue bank. At NCCS, researchers have been studying cachexia, which is sarcopenia associated with an advanced stage of cancer. About 20 per cent of advanced-stage cancer patients develop it, and it leads to poor health, poor drug response and reduced quality of life, said Prof Teh. Prof Koh said sarcopenia is associated with increased complications from surgery, and increased mortalities. 'In cancer patients... if you have sarcopenia, cancer cells have been shown to come back earlier. So this gives us a connotation that muscle is not just about movement and it's not just about tolerating stress, but it may also play an immune role... which we do not know much about today.' It is still early days when it comes to treatment possibilities. Prof Koh said they have found from earlier studies in SKH and Changi General Hospital (CGH) that the molecule HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) – a metabolite of the amino acid leucine – may be beneficial, but further studies are needed. 'HMB may be one therapeutic agent which has shown some promise in early clinical trials in our experience, and we are expanding on that experience to run a larger study as part of the Magnet project,' he said. The term sarcopenia was coined in 1989 but it was recognised as a disease only in 2016. Recent studies have established the prevalence of sarcopenia, which affects nearly one in three Singaporeans aged 60 years or older. It also affects younger adults with chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes – one in 14 Singaporeans under 60 is estimated to have the muscle-wasting disease. 'For muscles, you need energy, protein and physical activity. So the high-risk group would be people who don't have enough energy, don't have enough protein, and are inactive,' said Associate Professor Samuel Chew, a senior consultant at CGH's geriatric medicine department. 'By the time we are 80, even if we are healthy, we would have lost at least about one-third of our muscle mass,' said Dr Chew. It is hence important to 'bank' muscle health during younger adulthood to help counter muscle loss over time, he added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
