Nation-wide programme targets early detection of FH to prevent premature heart disease

Singapore will launch its first national genetic testing programme on June 30, aiming to identify and treat individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)—a hereditary condition that significantly raises the risk of early heart disease.

Early Detection To Save Lives

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) affects around 20,000 people in Singapore, yet many remain undiagnosed. With this nationwide genetic testing initiative, the Ministry of Health (MOH) hopes to identify at-risk individuals early and prevent severe cardiovascular events. People with FH are up to 20 times more likely to suffer a heart attack at a younger age compared to the general population.

From June 30, eligible Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) with abnormally high LDL-C cholesterol levels (≥5.5mmol/L or 212mg/dL) can be referred by doctors to undergo testing at newly established Genomic Assessment Centres (GACs).

Where To Get Tested

Three GACs will be set up across Singapore’s public healthcare clusters. The first, run by SingHealth at the National Heart Centre, begins operations on June 30. Two more centres under the National Healthcare Group and National University Health System will open subsequently.

Each GAC offers a comprehensive testing process:

• Pre-test genetic counselling to explain benefits and risks
• Blood collection and analysis for FH markers
• Post-test counselling to interpret results and next steps

Protecting Families Through Cascade Screening

If a patient tests positive for FH, their immediate family members—parents, siblings, and children—are also encouraged to be tested. This strategy, called cascade screening, helps detect FH across generations, enabling families to take proactive steps early.

MOH notes that timely intervention could involve lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering therapies, drastically reducing the risk of heart disease for those affected.

Affordable Testing With Government Support

The government is providing up to 70% in means-tested subsidies for eligible citizens and PRs. After subsidies:

• Direct patients will pay between S$117 (US$91) and S$575
• Immediate family members under cascade screening will pay between S$53 and S$253

Seniors from the Pioneer and Merdeka generations receive additional subsidies. Costs can also be offset further with MediSave500/700 and Flexi-MediSave for those aged 60 and above.

Privacy Protection Under Revised Moratorium

A revised moratorium, effective June 30, protects individuals’ genetic information from misuse by life insurance providers. Insurers cannot use results from the national FH testing programme to assess insurance applications. However, they may still consider diagnosed conditions and family history.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung shared on Facebook that this initiative is part of the broader Healthier SG strategy to shift towards predictive and preventive care. Future expansion of genetic testing to other diseases is already in consideration.

Singapore’s proactive step in offering nationwide genetic testing for FH sets a new benchmark in preventive healthcare. For both Singaporeans and neighbouring Indonesians, the move highlights the rising importance of early detection, family-centred care, and accessible medical innovations in managing genetic conditions.

Sources: CNA (2025) , The Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Familial Hypercholesterolaemia, Genetic Screening, Cholesterol Testing, National Health Programme, Singapore MOH, Heart Disease Prevention