Total Public Funding Committed to Healthcare Research

Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the total amount of public funding committed to healthcare research in the past five years; (b) what proportion of this funding has been allocated to research on chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer; and (c) whether the Ministry tracks funding distribution across other key areas, including mental health, rehabilitation and ageing-related conditions.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Over the last five years, $2.4 billion has been committed to healthcare research under the national research, innovation and enterprise plans.

About 50% of the funding has been allocated to cancer and chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as diabetes; stroke; mental health conditions; musculoskeletal disorders; and inflammatory and immune system diseases. The rest goes towards areas, such as research talent development and artificial intelligence in healthcare.