School fitness checks aim to ensure students' health, expert says

Family medicine specialist Dr. Walid Al-Badawi has advised parents to prepare their children for mandatory school fitness exams in order to alleviate any stress and facilitate the early identification of health concerns. In a recent interview with Al-Ikhbariya TV, Dr. Al-Badawi explained that the primary objective of these examinations is to ensure that students maintain optimal health and to promptly detect any potential illnesses that may impact their learning capacity.

He stressed the importance of this initiative, particularly in the early detection of health issues among children.

The Ministry of Health has outlined the specific requirements for the school fitness examination, which must be completed prior to the start of the academic year. The assessment includes evaluating vision, body mass index, dental hygiene, hearing capabilities, speech proficiency, as well as a comprehensive clinical examination and confirmation of basic vaccinations.

These evaluations are administered at family medicine clinics situated within primary healthcare centers. To schedule these appointments, parents are required to book in advance through the Sehhaty mobile application.