Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2026.
Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health regarding the PaREnthood genetic DIsease Carrier Test (PREDICT) Programme (a) how many couples have been screened; (b) how many screenings have been conducted before and during pregnancy respectively; (c) how does the Ministry reach out to couples to publicise screening availability; (d) whether the programme be expanded to all obstetric clinics; and (e) if so, when.
The Parenthood Genetic Disease Carrier Test (PREDICT) programme is an ongoing pilot programme to screen parents for autosomal recessive genetic conditions such as Pompe disease and spinal muscular atrophy, which are not covered in existing prenatal screening tests. The pilot was started in 2024 by KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH). As at end 2025, a total of 674 couples has undergone screening during the pre-conception phase at KKH.
The Ministry of Health will work with KKH to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of the pilot when the results are available to determine if the PREDICT screening tests should become a mainstream service.
PAPERCUTS