UAE Launches New Guidelines for School Health Screenings: What Parents Need to Know

The aforesaid Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has released the National School Health Screening Guideline that requires all students of the K to G12 to undergo health checkups annually. This programme is for both government and private schools and its major goal is to provide precaution and to help in identification of any health or developmental concern. They will consist of PAT, kilometer, mood scale, BMI, medical history, physical and mental wellness check up and behavioral health check up.

H1 has identified the specifications for health promotion screenings to be implemented in all schools so that the timelines are clear. This also involves updating the record of each student regarding his or her health, measuring growth parameters such as height, weight and BMI, and vision acuity tests. Also, information about the existing immunization program among students will be checked and adjusted according to the national program.

For the older students, the guidelines also include a variety of other checks including scoliosis, hearing, dental, and smoking students above 10 years. Additionally, the psychological and behavioural health of students will be assessed to offer needed medical information.

Besides achieving a uniform and efficient method of screening shortage across the UAE schools, these screenings also aim at establishing the database of health outcomes within the UAE. The results of this database will be useful to plan further health programs by implementing the principles of sustainable development and introducing health literacy for future generations. It is also connected with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 to leverage the future by focusing on student’s welfare.

It is supported by other national undertakings like the National Programme to Combat Obesity and the National Immunisation Programme thus providing solutions to basic human health needs of all the students.