MOH may consider subsidising genetic disorder screening costs for IVF couples

IVF procedure

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam revealed on Monday (Jan 4) that the Ministry of Health (MOH) is exploring the feasibility of helping to fund a treatment that enables in vitro fertilisation (IVF) couples to screen embryos for genetic defects.

At present, the procedure is accessible to patients at risk of transmitting severe genetic abnormalities caused by single gene defects or structural chromosomal differences. However, she stated that the operation’s price is high, at approximately S$10,000 to S$19,000 per cycle.

Ongoing discussions on Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rahayu Mahzam and her son

Image Credits: Rahayu Mahzam

Ms Rahayu said that MOH is striving to make Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) a standard clinical service for spouses who need it, and is researching whether making it available for subsidies is cost-effective.

Authorities are also in talks to charge PGD using Medisave. When ready, further information will be announced about the assessment. Ms Rahayu responded to Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Louis Ng’s adjournment motion on the need to offer better help for those pursuing IVF.

In her address to Mr Ng, Ms Rahayu observed that research had discovered proof that PGD could minimise the risk of severe genetic diseases. It could also improve the chances of bearing a baby to birth.

Request for IVF subsidy structure to be extended to PGD

Mr Ng had asked for the existing IVF subsidy scheme to be applied to PGD. This would give couples a rebate of 75 per cent on PGD for discounted IVF periods. “PGD is needed only by a small percentage of couples, so overall subsidy costs for the government are likely to be limited,” Mr Ng commented.

He also proposed that PGD should be permitted to be billed using Medisave but with a cap to not exhaust the budget. This has been the practice for IVF treatments. “Couples deserve their chance to have healthy children and we should support them,” he said.

Fertility as an “existential problem” for Singapore
Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Louis Ng

Image Credits: todayonline.com

Using data from the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Mr Ng raised fertility as an “existential problem” for Singapore. Within a year of trying for a child, about 15 per cent of couples here find it tough to conceive.

Sharing some numbers, he claimed that over 7,700 assisted reproduction procedures were completed in 2017. This is a significant rise from about 5,500 in 2013. Citing his own experience, Mr Ng also told Parliament that his three daughters had been born by IVF. He and his wife could only have their first child after their seventh attempt at it.

Proposal to subsidise up to eight cycles of IVF

He recommended that the government help fund up to eight current IVF cycles (from six now). He also requested authorities to scrap the quotas for selected embryo transfer methods, enabling couples to use the subsidies for any transfer process.

The concept of “fertility leave” was also introduced by Mr Ng. This would encourage individuals to take time off work to go through IVF treatments.

“These proposals will help more couples undergoing IVF and most importantly reduce their stress levels as they embark on this stressful but potentially rewarding IVF journey,” he remarked.

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Singapore’s health minister assures sufficient free vaccines for all citizens, permanent residents, and long-term residents

a lady getting vaccinated

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong assures the public in Parliament on Monday (Jan 4) that for all citizens, permanent residents, and long-term residents, Singapore has acquired ample vaccines, with shipments expected to arrive by the third quarter of 2021.

The abovementioned groups will receive the vaccines at no extra costs and include employment pass, S-Pass, and work permit holders. Alongside foreign domestic workers, dependent pass, long-term visit pass, and student pass holders, a total of about 5.7 million people can obtain the injections.

Vaccines would arrive in batches

On Dec 21, the first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrived in Singapore and was given to employees of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases from Dec 30.

Mr Gan, the co-chair of the multi-ministerial task force assembled to address the pandemic, said the vaccines would come in batches, with further supplies anticipated in the coming months. This includes those from Moderna and Sinovac.

Residents urged to get vaccinated
a man receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

Image Credits: news.abs-cbn.com

Mr Gan also advised as many people to get vaccinated as it would be a significant move for Singapore to return to everyday life.

“This will not only protect yourself, but also indirectly protect others who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. This collective protection will be more effective the more people are vaccinated,” he shared.

Singapore should avoid being complacent

Although there may be those who believe that considering Singapore’s limited number of COVID-19 cases recently, there is little need to get vaccinated, Mr Gan cautioned that people here should not be complacent and only hurry to receive the vaccine when an epidemic arises.

“We have seen a few community cases in the last few days, which shows clearly that there are hidden cases among us. We are also seeing new variants that are more contagious. Any of these cases has a risk of sparking a major outbreak as we have seen in other countries.

The best time to vaccinate is now. If people wait till an outbreak has happened to get themselves vaccinated, it will be too late, both to protect themselves and to prevent the outbreak in the first place,” he noted.

Vaccinations for the elderly will start from February
an elderly shopping for groceries

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Previously, the authorities indicated that they would give priority to those most at risk. This explains why the first to be vaccinated were healthcare practitioners. Latest updates suggest that injections for the elderly will begin from February, starting with people from 70 years of age.

Singapore would also target those in roles with a significant risk of a super-spreading occurrence emerging. This refers to employees in the construction, maritime, and process industries.

Vaccines will be allocated based on availability

Mr Gan said people would not be offered a preference for which vaccine they would like to receive. Instead, vaccinations would be assigned depending on their availability, the different vaccines’ medical indications, and various subgroups’ appropriateness.

“Allowing individuals to have a choice of vaccines will unnecessarily complicate the already complex vaccination programme,” he added.

Prior bookings for vaccinations will be necessary
Singapore polyclinic

Image Credits: The Straits Times

The minister also said that considering the vaccines’ cold-chain criteria and multi-dose capsules, prior bookings would be needed. He mentioned that Singapore would be presented with more information about how to make bookings in due time.

A physical card will be provided to those injected. This will inform them of their commitment to come for their second dose, show the issued injection, and offer guidance following vaccination. The National Immunisation Database will also have their records revised, and one may review their status online.

60 per cent of the population here would get vaccinated, according to polls commissioned by government agencies. A third said they were wary.

Mr Gan stated that to clarify the value of vaccination and to ensure its protection and effectiveness, the government will do more educational outreach in the community. He also advised the public to pay attention to reliable data sources as misleading statements about the vaccine have surfaced.

What are your thoughts? Will you take the injection when it’s offered to you?

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Win ‘The Perfect Vacation at Home’ with American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Cards

To celebrate 20 years of partnership, American Express (“Amex”) and Singapore Airlines (“SIA”) are holding “The Perfect Vacation at Home Draw”. 20 lucky Card Members will win a 2D1N themed staycation at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore or The Barracks Hotel, 20,000 KrisFlyer miles, and a welcome bag filled with Amex and SIA merchandise to bring home^. Here’s how you can participate in The Perfect Vacation at Home Draw.

Apply for an American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card

To participate in the Perfect Vacation at Home Draw, start by applying and receiving approval for an American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card between 1 Dec 2020 and 31 Jan 2021. All American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Cards award 2 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spent (with no cap) on Singapore Airlines and KrisShop. Moreover, receive 5,000 KrisFlyer miles upon first spend for first-time applicants of the Amex – SIA Credit Card. This is a precious head start in your miles collection journey and one that is not to be underestimated. You can redeem a return to flight to Bali starting from 15,000 KrisFlyer miles!

Without further ado, here are the 4 iconic American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Cards, each with their unique SIA benefits, that you can apply for:

  1. The American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

 

Receive S$150 Cashback for use on your next purchase on singaporeair.com when you spend S$12,000 on eligible purchases with your American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.

  1. The American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

Card Members of American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card enjoy an accelerated upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold Membership tier. Simply spend above S$15,000 on eligible purchases on singaporeair.com within the first 12 months upon Card approval to be automatically upgraded to the KrisFlyer Elite Gold Membership tier. This paves the way for more privileges and faster accumulation of your miles.

  1. The American Express® Singapore Airlines PPS Club Credit Card (Exclusively for existing Singapore Airlines PPS Club members)

Card Members of American Express Singapore Airlines PPS Club Credit Card will receive a 50% KrisFlyer miles Redemption Voucher when they spend S$75,000 or more on eligible purchases from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. This voucher entitles the Card Member to a one-off 50% saving (capped at 50,000 KrisFlyer miles) when he/she redeems the KrisFlyer miles for an eligible redemption award booking. It gets even better as Card Members can receive a Double KrisFlyer miles Accrual Voucher simply by spending S$15,000 or more on eligible purchases on singaporeair.com with their Cards during the same period (capped at 10,000 bonus KrisFlyer miles).

  1. The American Express® Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Credit Card (Exclusively for existing Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Club members)

The one Card worth its weight in gold is the American Express Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Credit Card. Enjoy a complimentary one-sector upgrade from Business class to the Singapore Airlines Suites or First Class by spending S$50,000 or more on eligible purchases on singaporeair.com from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. This is in addition to receiving a 50% KrisFlyer miles Redemption Voucher (capped at 50,000 KrisFlyer miles) when they spend S$75,000 or more on eligible purchases during the same period.

How to Further Maximise Your Lucky Draw Chances

Since there is no limit to the number of chances you can earn, here’s how you can maximise your chances at The Perfect Vacation at Home Draw. Upon receiving approval for your Credit Card, every cumulative spend of $50 on eligible transactions (local and overseas spend included) earns you 1 chance at the lucky draw.

Receive upsized chances by spending on Singapore Airlines and KrisShop.com (2 chances for every cumulative spend of $50). Furthermore, tell your friends about the amazing benefits and every successful referral nets you 10 chances. Sharing is indeed caring!

There is no need to register for this draw as enrolment is automatic. Who knows you could be one of the lucky 20 winners on 5 March 2021*?  Click here to find out more^!

^Restrictions, Terms and Conditions apply.

*All winners will receive a call on 5 March 2021 or within 7 business days for more details on how to redeem The Perfect Vacation at Home Prize. Card members can also revisit this site to see if you have won.

 

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4 Money-Saving Hacks with McDonald’s 1-for-1 deals!

If your New Year’s resolution is to save money, you gotta make sure you’re spending smartly! You can still visit your fancy restaurants, but here’s our life-changing hack ? You ready?

Just download My McDonald’s App from the App Store or Google Play Store! Yes, it’s that simple. McDonald’s has a lineup of fun and rewards for everyone this year and trust us, this will be your go-to app so you stick to your budgeting plan for 2021.

1. Grab your lunch BFF and redeem 1-for-1 deals with McDonald’s Mega Deals Festival

Starting from 4 January, McDonald’s Mega Deals Festival will run for an entire month! You can expect a range 1-for-1 deals on your favourite bites on the McDonald’s app from 4-27 January.

  • 4-6 Jan: 1-for-1 McSpicy®
  • 11-13 Jan: 1-for-1 Double Filet-O-Fish®
  • 18-20 Jan: $14.50 Breakfast Family Meal (U.P. from $17.70)
  • 25-27 Jan: 1-for-1 Breakfast Deluxe

If you don’t have a lunch BFF yet, you can offer to buy on behalf of a colleague and earn some brownie points for the new year! Better yet, introduce the app to them so that you establish yourself as the savviest person in the office when it comes to great deals.

2. New to the app? Get a $2 McSpicy® Welcome Deal!

If you’ve never heard about the McDonald’s app before, this is your chance to score a McSpicy® burger at only $2, with any purchase (U.P. from $5.50). That’s more than 60% discount, what a deal for new users! Just the mere thought of our favourite McSpicy® is enough to whet our appetite.

3. Happier Mondays

Joining the McDonald’s club is free, and you get new deals every Monday at 8am! Monday blues are tough, but nothing beats waking up to a deal on the food we love. We’ll be setting alarms to check out the McDonald’s app before looking at social media apps or emails, so we don’t miss any deals!

4. $1 Chicken McNuggets® on your birthday month!

Relive fond memories of McDonald’s Birthday Parties as you sink your teeth into Chicken McNuggets® (6pc) for just $1 with any purchase. We’re lovin’ member-exclusive perks like these birthday treats because they never fail to stir up warm, fuzzy feelings!

5. Bonus Hack in Jan: Win More Treats with The McShaker™ Game

Did you know that you can win even more deals on the McDonald’s app? Play the McShaker™ game in the app stand a chance to win the newly launched $1 Mala McShaker™ Fries and other delights such as free Vanilla Cones or Hashbrowns with any purchase.

We promise you will be lovin’ it every step of the way. Cheers to a Happy New Year!

 

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Singapore HDB resale prices and private home prices rose in 2020

HDB flats

The results are out. Based on flash estimates from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Monday (Jan 4), Singapore HDB resale prices increased by 0.1 per cent in 2019 to 4.8 per cent in 2020.

The HDB calculations also found that the resale price index, which includes statistics on the overall price fluctuations in the resale market for public housing, grew from 133.9 to 137.8.

Most significant quarterly rise in about 10 years

OrangeTee & Tie’s head of research and consultancy Christine Sun shared that the highest quarterly jump in around 10 years was the price spike in the fourth quarter of 2020. With a 3.8 per cent rise, the last peak was reported in the third quarter of 2011.

“The market recovery can be attributed to the slew of policy changes made over the past two years to make public housing more affordable for Singaporeans and enhance the attractiveness of older flats,” said Ms Sun.

She added that numerous new flats that demand higher prices have also been transacted over the past few months. This may have raised the total price index last quarter.

Flat at Pinnacle@Duxton sold at S$1.258 million
Pinnacle@Duxton

Image Credits: The Straits Times

For selected flats, some buyers were willing to fork out large sums. Up till November 2020, a whopping number of 72 resale flats were sold for over S$1 million. This includes one at the Pinnacle@Duxton, which recorded a sale price of S$1.258 million last September.

Ms Sun said that the long time of completion for recent Build-to-Order (BTO) releases and growing private home prices will continue to shift demand to the HDB resale market.

“Couples who are still doing well in their jobs may proceed with their upgrading plans, while those who are still affected by the pandemic may downgrade from private housing to HDB flats,” she noted. “This may result in more flats being put on the market as well as more flats changing hands in the coming months.”

Prices of resale flats are expected to rise further

According to the expert, prices for resale flats are projected to climb further by 2 per cent to 5 per cent this year. HDB said buyers may look forward to more specific data for the fourth quarter of 2020 on Jan 22.

Come February, HDB will offer about 3,700 BTO flats in Bukit Batok, Kallang Whampoa, Tengah, and Toa Payoh. There will also be another 3,800 BTO openings in Bukit Merah, Geylang, Tengah, and Woodlands in May.

“Given the economic uncertainty due to COVID-19, HDB is monitoring the housing market closely and will calibrate the supply if required,” said the board.

With that said, private property prices in Singapore are following suit.

Prices increase by 2.1 per cent in the fourth quarter
Singapore private property

Image Credits: Ohmyhome

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) shared today (Jan 4) that in the fourth quarter of 2020, Singapore’s private property prices increased by 2.1 per cent compared to the third quarter.

Ms Sun said that after the second quarter of 2018 when prices increased 3.4 per cent quarter-on-quarter, the fourth-quarter surge was the highest quarterly rise. This is due to the remainder of the Central Region, which grew by 4.8 per cent in the fourth quarter, and the main Central Region, where prices rose by 3.3 per cent.

“There were a number of new projects launched in the fourth quarter of this year that could have driven prices higher in these regions,” Ms Sun remarked.

Analysts share how buyer sentiments may improve in 2021

A substantial amount of liquidity currently circulating in the financial sector will fuel Singapore’s property market. Buyer sentiments will pick up more on the growing anticipation of the vaccine and reopening under phase 3.

“Phase 3 could reflect potential economic stabilisation and opportunities for longer-term property price appreciation,” said Property analyst Ong Kah Seng.

“Overall private home prices may rise by 1 to 4 per cent while prices of new homes may grow at a faster pace of between 2 and 5 per cent in 2021,” Ms Sun added.

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