Expanding National Genetic Testing Programme Beyond Single-Gene Disorders

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health whether the Ministry plans to expand the national genetic testing programme beyond single-gene disorders to include common multifactorial conditions, such as Type II diabetes to facilitate early preventive interventions.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: When it comes to genetic tests for preventive care, the Ministry of Health takes a disease-centric approach, where there are established gene-disease relationships and proven interventions. We have started on a couple of diseases and will explore others, including Type II diabetes in due course.