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The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has completed school fitness screenings for about 332,931 new students ahead of the 1448 AH academic year. The screenings, conducted through primary healthcare centers nationwide, included verification of required vaccinations and clinical assessments to identify any underlying health conditions. Families of students with detected issues received guidance on follow-up care to support their children’s well-being from the start of the school term.
Ministry of Health program descriptions state that each screening involves a review of the student’s medical history, body mass index measurement, vision and hearing tests, speech evaluation, dental examination and a full clinical check. Parents can schedule these appointments electronically via the Sehhaty application, allowing them to select suitable times and nearby facilities. This process determines the most appropriate educational path, whether in general or special education, based on individual health findings.
Ministry of Health data from the prior year shows that over 1.7 million students benefited from similar fitness screenings in 2024 while associated health awareness programs reached approximately 3.5 million participants. These initiatives also encompass school environment inspections and canteen monitoring to ensure food safety standards. Such cumulative efforts contribute to a broader database that informs national health strategies for school-aged children.
The screenings align with objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on preventive care to build a healthier population. By integrating these checks into the enrollment process, the authorities seek to address potential issues before they impact academic performance or require more intensive intervention later. The Ministry of Health coordinates with the Public Health Authority to maintain consistency in service delivery across all regions.
According to the Ministry of Health, the program emphasizes early detection and family engagement to foster a safer learning environment overall. Results are shared promptly with schools to facilitate proper student placement and any necessary accommodations. The approach has been refined over multiple academic cycles to increase efficiency and coverage.
The Ministry of Health stated that it will sustain its partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Public Health Authority and regional health clusters to expand preventive services and health education for students and families. This ongoing cooperation aims to strengthen the overall quality of school-based health support. Additional training for health supervisors forms part of the wider framework to uphold these standards.
