Genetic screening offers valuable insights into a person’s inherited risk for certain conditions, enabling earlier detection, timely intervention and personalised care. Identifying at-risk individuals before symptoms appear supports proactive health management, and empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle and medical decisions.

The first Genomic Assessment Centre (GAC) in Singapore was launched in June 2025 by the Ministry of Health. Led by KKH, it aims to provide enhanced genetic care for Singaporeans through detecting potential increased health risks and counselling to help individuals make informed decisions about their lifestyle and planning for the future.

KKH Special Delivery speaks with Associate Professor Tan Ee Shien, Lead, GAC, SingHealth and Head and Senior Consultant, Genetics Service, KKH, for insights into this national initiative and the importance of early detection of genetic conditions.

Q: What are the benefits of having GACs and why now?

Assoc Prof Tan: The GAC plays a vital role in advancing preventive healthcare by providing genetic counselling and testing to individuals who are at increased risk of conditions such as hereditary cancers and cardiovascular disease. Advances in genomic science and decreasing costs of testing have made it feasible to identify individuals at risk of these conditions before symptoms appear.

By identifying these risks early, timely interventions and personalised care plans can be provided to prevent or delay disease onset. This approach aligns closely with national efforts such as Healthier SG, which are creating the momentum and infrastructure to support personalised, preventive care at scale.

The aim is to shift the focus from reactive treatment to preventive, population-based care. Integrating genetic screening into these initiatives enhances the ability to stratify risk, personalise prevention plans and, ultimately, improve long-term health outcomes across the population.

By acting now, we can harness the power of genomics to inform early interventions, improve outcomes, and build a healthier population for the future.

Q: How many people are expected to benefit from GACs?

Assoc Prof Tan: We are expecting the GAC at SingHealth to be a touchpoint for approximately 2,500 individuals in its first year of operation. This centre will serve all Singapore residents until additional centres open at NHG Health and National University Health System.

Q: The national Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) genetic testing programme was rolled out on 30 June 2025. Why was FH the first condition selected for screening at the GAC?

Assoc Prof Tan: FH affects the body’s ability to process cholesterol, and is common amongst our population, affecting approximately 20,000 people in Singapore. This condition is hereditary and can be passed down within the family.

Individuals with FH face a significantly higher risk of up to 20 times, of experiencing heart attacks at a younger age compared to the general population. We want to identify individuals with FH early and reduce their risk of premature heart disease with timely interventions.

If you have a confirmed FH diagnosis, please encourage your at-risk immediate family members (parents, siblings and children) to undergo genetic testing, for early detection and timely management to prevent serious associated health conditions such as premature heart disease.

Q: What happens after a confirmed FH diagnosis? How will the person be supported?

Assoc Prof Tan: A person diagnosed with FH will require a combination of chronic cholesterol-lowering medication and lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and physical activity, to achieve a healthy cholesterol level and prevent premature heart disease. They would require  long-term care and management at their primary care provider at the polyclinics or general practitioner (GP) clinics.

All children with a confirmed FH diagnosis will also be referred to the KKH Children’s Lipid Centre for long-term care.

Q: How do I go for FH screening at the GAC? Does the centre accept walk-ins?

Assoc Prof Tan: You can approach your GP or a doctor at any polyclinic for a referral to the GAC. Referrals of individuals with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level ≥ 5.5mmol/L will be accepted. Walk-ins are currently not accepted.

Screening includes:

• Pre-test genetic counselling, to understand the purpose, benefits, limitations and possible outcomes of genetic testing before deciding whether to proceed.
• Blood draw and genetic test, arranged by the GAC.
• Post-test genetic counselling, to understand their genetic test results, what it means for their health and the next steps for medical care. In addition, patients will be counselled about the risk to their families.

If the patient has a positive genetic diagnosis of FH, the GAC will offer screening to their families if consent is given.

For more information about:

• The GAC at SingHealth, visit: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-specialties/genomic-medicine-centre/genomic-assessment-centre
• FH genetic testing charges and subsidies under the national FH genetic testing programme, visit: https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/launch-of-national-familial-hypercholesterolaemia-genetic-testing-programme-