Statistics on Children Born with Birth Defects

34 Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Health (a) for every 1,000 births, what are the statistics on the number of children who are born with birth defects in Singapore; (b) what are the most common birth defects found in our population; and (c) what is the average cost borne in the testing and treatment of children who are born with birth defects.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Based on the latest National Birth Defect Registry Report in 2016, about 30 newborns had birth defects for every 1,000 livebirths in Singapore.

The most common birth defects for the newborns in our population are of the circulatory system.

Depending on the complexity of the condition, the costs of testing and treatment for children with birth defects can vary widely. Based on data in 2020 tp 2021, for newborns with birth defects in the circulatory system, the average annual out-of-pocket cost for testing and treatment in their first year of life is around $850 after accounting for Government subsidies, MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans and MediSave.

Parents can tap on their MediSave or their child’s MediSave Grant for Newborns to pay for medical expenses under the prevailing MediSave withdrawal limits. Singaporeans who have difficulty paying for their healthcare bills may approach medical social workers in the public healthcare institutions to apply for financial assistance.