Congenital and Neonatal Conditions

12 November 2012

Question No.363

Name of Person: Ms Mary Liew

Question

To ask the Minister for Health in the last five years (a) how many babies have been born with neonatal or congenital conditions; and (b) how much financial assistance has been extended by the Ministry to assist their families with the medical costs.

Answer

1                   About 1,000 newborns, or less than 3% per cohort of newborns, were born with congenital anomalies each year, based on data from 2007 to 2009[1] .

2                   It is common for newborn babies to develop mild neonatal conditions[2] such as jaundice.  On average, for the period 2007 to 2010, about 5,000 newborns each year had a more serious condition which required hospitalisation for more than 3 days during the neonatal period.  

3                   All Singaporeans, including families with babies who require treatment for congenital and neonatal conditions, are eligible for significant government subsidies of up to 80% when seeking subsidised medical treatment in our public hospitals.  In addition, families who have difficulty paying for their children’s healthcare costs can apply for financial assistance, such as Medifund, from public medical institutions.  Medifund provided $5.0 mil and $5.3 mil in 2010 and 2011 respectively, to help patients aged 16 and below with their medical expenses.  The specific expenditure on children with congenital and neonatal conditions is not available.     

Footnote

[1] As some congenital anomalies may be diagnosed only some years after birth, the annual statistics will continue to be updated from time to time. 2010 and 2011 statistics are not yet available.

[2] The neonatal period is defined as within 28 days of birth.