Riyadh: The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has called upon parents of incoming first-grade students for the 1447 AH (2025-2026) academic year to ensure the completion of the school fitness screening. This initiative is designed to confirm the medical readiness of students and support early detection efforts within school health programs. Parents can conveniently book appointments through the Sehhaty app, selecting both the timing and the appropriate health center for their child's screening.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the comprehensive program includes verifying school-age immunizations, reviewing students' health status, and measuring their body mass index (BMI). It also involves vision, speech, and hearing screenings, dental and oral health checks, and a clinical examination. The initiative aims to bolster preventive health measures, enable early detection of potential health issues, and encourage healthy behaviors in schools. This is in alignment with the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
In 2024, the program had a significant impact, with over 1.7 million students benefiting from exploratory and fitness screenings. Additionally, approximately 3.5 million students participated in the school health awareness program. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is further enhancing efforts by inspecting school environments and cafeterias to ensure food safety, training health supervisors, and actively engaging parents.
These initiatives are crucial in advancing preventive health among students, reflecting the ministry's commitment to its public-health mandate.