Muscat – Thousands of children preparing to start Grade 1 in the new academic year will undergo mandatory medical screenings as the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, launched its annual health screening campaign aimed at ensuring students begin school healthy and ready to learn.

Organised by the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat governorate, the campaign kicked off on July 6 and will run till August 31, 2026, and is part of Oman’s comprehensive school health programme designed to detect medical conditions early and promote healthy learning environments.

Children born between September 1, 2020, and January 1, 2022, are eligible for screening, which will be conducted at government health institutions based on the child’s place of residence between 8am and 1pm on official working days.

Parents have been asked to bring the child’s original birth certificate, passport and health card, including vaccination records, when attending the appointment.

The medical assessment includes measurements of height and weight, vision and hearing tests, a review of immunisation records and a general physical examination. The screening also helps identify any health condition that may require treatment or follow-up before the child begins school.

Health officials said early diagnosis plays a crucial role in supporting children’s physical development, improving academic performance and reducing the risk of health complications later in life. The programme also contributes to maintaining safer and healthier school environments by ensuring children receive appropriate preventive healthcare before entering the classroom.

Authorities have urged parents to complete the examinations well before the deadline to avoid congestion at health centres. The completed medical screening form is a mandatory requirement for finalising Grade 1 registration through the Ministry of Education’s electronic enrolment system.