Direct Subsidies for Patients Participating in Pilot for Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider providing direct subsidies to patients participating in the pilot for Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) instead of only providing funding to support the manpower and operations of the PGS laboratory, and half of the PGS consumables costs.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is still a pilot and it is premature to consider subsidies until we have properly evaluated the programme for both clinical and cost effectiveness. In the meantime, we have provided pilot funding to the programme so that PGS is more affordable for eligible patients.