Salma Khalik

Singapore

Senior Correspondent at The Straits Times

Straits Times Senior Health Correspondent

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Articles

The Trump effect on high drug prices

2 weeks ago | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE – If US President Donald Trump had his way, the price of medication in the US would fall drastically – while the rest of the world would end up paying more, possibly a lot more. His declaration on Facebook on May 11 that he wants prices of drugs sold in the US to reflect the cheapest prices globally sent shares of large pharmaceutical companies tumbling across the world, with several losing 3 per cent or more of their stock market value within hours.
More seniors should have access to Bixeps to strengthen muscles and stay active for longer

2 months ago | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

A Singapore-developed device has been approved by the regulatory authorities in Singapore and the US for medical use to improve muscle strength, increase mobility and reduce pain. This is a feather in Singapore’s cap, but more importantly, the device – known as QMT – and its cheaper precursor Bixeps have implications for our ageing population, as they could provide a safe and non-invasive way for seniors to maintain their muscle strength, which could significantly cut down on falls and fractures.
More seniors should have access to Bixeps to strengthen muscles and stay active for longer

2 months ago | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

A Singapore-developed device has been approved by the regulatory authorities in Singapore and the US for medical use to improve muscle strength, increase mobility and reduce pain. This is a feather in Singapore’s cap, but more importantly, the device – known as QMT – and its cheaper precursor Bixeps have implications for our ageing population, as they could provide a safe and non-invasive way for seniors to maintain their muscle strength, which could significantly cut down on falls and fractures.
Healthcare spending could hit $30 billion a year by 2030: Ong Ye Kung

2 months ago | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE - Spending on healthcare in Singapore could soon become the single biggest item in the Government’s coffers, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, as he assured Singaporeans that their basic healthcare needs will continue to be affordable. In 2025, the Government has set aside $20.9 billion for health, second only to spending on defence, which has a budget of $23.4 billion.
Healthcare financing in Singapore: 10 questions for DPM Gan and Health Minister Ong

2 months ago | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE – Singapore is known for its good healthcare, which has contributed to its people being among the longest-lived in the world, with an average lifespan exceeding 83 years. However, with an ageing population pushing up demand for healthcare and costs going up year after year, will Singapore be able to continue offering good healthcare at affordable prices?
Healthier SG could boost Singapore’s Blue Zone status

2 months ago | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE - Blue Zones are places where people live exceptionally long lives due to their naturally healthy lifestyles that combine physical activity, healthy food, low stress and strong social interactions. These factors are not usually associated with Singapore.
Singapore machine to strengthen muscles approved for clinical use locally and in the US

Mar 9, 2025 | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE – A Singapore-developed device to strengthen muscles and reduce pain has gained approval from health regulators in Singapore and the US – allowing it to be sold as a medical device in both countries. Called Quantum Mitohormesis (QMT), the device uses magnetic pulses to stimulate and regenerate muscle cells, a process similar to what happens during exercise. It is the next-generation version of the Bixeps device, which has been available here for some years as a fitness device.
More subsidies for Singaporeans, amid rising medical costs: Ong Ye Kung

Mar 7, 2025 | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE - Government spending on healthcare is expected to shoot up from the $21 billion set aside for 2025 to more than $30 billion by 2030. To help people afford the healthcare they need as costs keep rising, the Government will increase subsidies for dental and long term care, and also increase the amount they can use from their Medisave accounts to pay for their outpatient treatments.
Budget 2025: More help for seniors, including those living in private property

Feb 18, 2025 | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE - Seniors will get more help to outfit their homes with age-friendly features, pay for their medical needs and receive higher subsidies should they require long term care. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme which till now was limited to HDB dwellers, will be extended to seniors living in private property - for three years, up to 2028.
Singapore’s pioneer kidney transplant surgeon dies at age 95

Feb 3, 2025 | straitstimes.com | Salma Khalik

SINGAPORE – On July 8, 1970, Dr Chan Kong Thoe created medical history in Singapore when he gave Ms Doreen Tan, then 29, a new lease of life with the country’s first kidney transplant. In the 55 years since then, surgeons here have done thousands of kidney transplants – with organs from living and dead donors. Transplants give patients with kidney failure a longer life expectancy, as well as better quality of life. On Feb 1, 2025, Dr Chan died at the age of 95.