As Singapore’s healthcare landscape continues to evolve, more citizens are being introduced to Healthier SG, a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to shift from reactive sick care to proactive preventive care. A major component of this initiative includes Healthier SG Screening services, which offer subsidised health checks aimed at early detection of chronic diseases.
But a common question arises among many residents: Are the HSG screenings sufficient for me? To answer that, we need to understand what the screenings include, who they are designed for, and whether additional health assessments may be necessary based on personal risk factors, age, or medical history.
What Is Healthier SG Screening?
Healthier SG Screening is part of the government’s broader initiative to encourage residents to take ownership of their health through preventive care. The screenings are typically conducted through general practitioner (GP) clinics that are enrolled in the scheme and are aligned with national health protocols.
The screenings focus on the early detection of key chronic conditions such as:
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
- Obesity
- Colorectal Cancer (for eligible age groups)
- Cervical and Breast Cancer (for women)
These assessments are designed to catch silent, progressive conditions early, often before symptoms appear, so that treatment can begin as early as possible. Once a person is enrolled under a participating clinic, their health status will be monitored over time with the goal of creating a personalised care plan.
Who Should Go for HSG Screenings?
Healthier SG Screening is targeted at Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 40 and above, with a strong focus on early detection of chronic diseases common in the adult population. If you fall into any of these categories, Healthier SG screenings are especially relevant:
- Aged 40 and above
- Have a family history of chronic illnesses
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle or have an unhealthy diet
- Have not undergone health screening in the past two years
The screenings are usually subsidised or free for eligible individuals, making it a convenient and affordable way to stay on top of your health.
What Does the Screening Include?
The exact screening tests you receive may vary depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, but a typical Healthier SG Screening package includes:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference measurement
- Blood pressure check
- Fasting blood glucose test (for diabetes risk)
- Lipid panel (for cholesterol levels)
- Colorectal cancer screening (e.g., FIT Kit) for adults aged 50 to 74
- Pap smear for cervical cancer (women aged 25 to 69)
- Mammogram for breast cancer (women aged 50 to 69)
These tests are highly evidence-based and aligned with national clinical practice guidelines. They offer a solid foundation for identifying major non-communicable diseases early.
Are HSG Screenings Sufficient?
While Healthier SG Screening provides a comprehensive baseline for most healthy adults, its sufficiency depends on several individual factors. The standard screenings are designed for general population risk but may not fully address specific personal health needs.
1. Family History and Genetic Risk
If you have a family history of diseases such as colorectal cancer, heart disease, or hereditary conditions, the standard screenings may not be enough. You might benefit from more advanced tests such as genetic screening, colonoscopy (instead of FIT), or early mammograms.
2. Existing Chronic Conditions
Individuals already diagnosed with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure may require more frequent or specialised tests, such as:
- Kidney function tests
- HbA1c for long-term glucose control
- Electrocardiograms (ECG) or echocardiograms
- Eye screening for diabetic retinopathy
In these cases, routine HSG screenings should be supplemented with disease-specific monitoring based on your doctor’s advice.
3. Lifestyle Factors
If you smoke, drink heavily, experience high levels of stress, or have poor sleep and dietary habits, your risk of developing non-communicable diseases is higher. A more personalised screening plan, possibly including liver function tests, stress ECGs, or mental health evaluations, would offer better insights into your health.
4. Occupational and Environmental Exposure
Certain jobs or living environments may expose individuals to unique health risks. For example, exposure to chemicals, pollutants, or prolonged sitting may require additional screenings for respiratory or musculoskeletal conditions.
5. Women’s and Men’s Health Needs
Healthier SG does include basic women’s screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, but women may also require:
- Pelvic ultrasounds
- Bone mineral density tests (for postmenopausal women)
- Hormonal panels
Similarly, men over 50 may want to consider prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate health, which is not part of standard HSG screenings.
Personalising Your Preventive Health Strategy
Health is not a one-size-fits-all matter. While Healthier SG Screening provides a valuable starting point, it should be viewed as part of a broader preventive health strategy tailored to your individual needs. Work with a trusted healthcare provider who understands your personal and family health history. A personalised health plan will allow you to go beyond standard screenings and focus on areas of higher risk or concern.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
Most of the tests in HSG are designed to be repeated every 1 to 3 years depending on age, risk factors, and results. For instance:
- Blood pressure and BMI: Annually
- Cholesterol and glucose: Every 3 years if normal, more often if abnormal
- Cancer screenings: Based on national guidelines and age group
However, if you have existing health issues or abnormal findings, your doctor may recommend a more frequent schedule. Always consult your physician to determine the appropriate frequency of screenings.
Conclusion
Healthier SG Screening is a commendable and effective initiative aimed at improving the nation’s overall health through early detection and preventive care. For many adults in Singapore, it offers a solid foundation of essential health checks at minimal cost.
However, whether these screenings are truly sufficient for you depends on your personal risk factors, medical history, lifestyle, and individual concerns. Taking the extra step to consult your doctor about your unique health profile will allow you to make more informed decisions and optimise your long-term wellbeing.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
At Keystone Clinic & Surgery, we believe that preventive care should go beyond standard checklists. Our experienced team takes time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and goals to offer personalised screening plans that suit your needs, not just your age group.
Whether you’re enrolling in Healthier SG or looking to supplement it with a tailored health assessment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Take control of your health today, schedule your screening with Keystone Clinic & Surgery and experience healthcare that revolves around you.
References
Healthhub.sg. Healthier SG Screening – National Health Screening Programme. https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/healthiersg-screening
Moh.gov.sg. Healthier SG Screening. https://www.moh.gov.sg/managing-expenses/schemes-and-subsidies/healthier-sg-screening
Healthiersg.gov.sg. Benefits of Healthier SG. https://www.healthiersg.gov.sg/enrolment/benefits/