Additional Co-funding at Reduced Percentages for Assisted Conception Procedures at Public Institutions for Unsuccessful Couples

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider providing additional co-funding at a reduced percentage for couples who have used up all the co-funding for Assisted Conception Procedures in public Assisted Reproduction centres for their first child.

The current co-funding limit of three fresh and three frozen cycles is based on clinical evidence which shows that the success rate of assisted reproductive technology decreases for successive cycles and as a woman progresses in age. It therefore strikes a balance between providing public-funded financial support to couples aspiring to be parents and ensuring the prudent use of public funds by taking into account clinical efficacy.

We will continue to monitor emergence of new data that show improved outcomes with further cycles. By setting a total funding limit based on six cycles, we also ensure parity and equitable treatment across all couples, regardless of their family size.