Taking care of your child’s health goes beyond regular doctor visits—it involves proactive screening to detect potential health issues before they become serious. Health screenings play a crucial role in identifying conditions like vision problems, hearing impairments, nutritional deficiencies, and even underlying heart conditions at an early stage.

In Malaysia, various hospitals and medical centres offer comprehensive health screening packages tailored for children of different ages. These screenings assess a child’s overall health, including physical development, sensory abilities, and common childhood conditions. Some packages focus on general wellness, while others specialise in detecting specific concerns such as congenital heart disease, scoliosis, or food allergies.

This article provides an in-depth look at the best kids’ health screening packages available in Malaysia, highlighting what each package includes, recommended ages for screening, and where to find the best options so that you make an informed decision about your child’s health.

Types of Kids Health Screening and Recommended Ages

Children’s health screenings help detect potential health issues early, ensuring timely intervention and better long-term outcomes. Below are the key types of screenings, listed in order of importance and the recommended ages for assessment.

1. Newborn Screening (0–1 month)

Importance: ★★★★★
Purpose: Detects metabolic, genetic, and congenital disorders that can be treated early.
Tests include:

• Hearing Test (Otoacoustic Emissions or Auditory Brainstem Response) – Detects hearing loss.
• Blood Spot Test (Guthrie Test) – Screens for metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, and sickle cell disease.
• Congenital Heart Disease Screening (Pulse Oximetry Test) – Checks for critical heart defects.
• Jaundice Screening (Bilirubin Test) – Identifies high bilirubin levels that may indicate liver dysfunction.

When to Screen:

• Right after birth, typically before hospital discharge.

2. Developmental and Growth Screening (0–5 years)

Importance: ★★★★★
Purpose: Assesses milestones in motor skills, language, and cognitive development.
Tests include:

• Height and Weight Monitoring – Tracks growth patterns.
• Head Circumference Measurement – Identifies potential neurological conditions.
• Developmental Milestone Checklist – Evaluates physical, speech, social, and emotional progress.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Screening (M-CHAT at 18 & 24 months) – Early detection improves intervention outcomes.

When to Screen:

• At routine paediatric check-ups (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, and yearly thereafter).

3. Vision and Eye Screening (3–6 years, repeated every 1–2 years)

Importance: ★★★★★
Purpose: Detects common childhood vision problems.
Tests include:

• Visual Acuity Test (Snellen Chart) – Measures sharpness of vision.
• Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Test – Identifies poor vision development in one eye.
• Colour Blindness Test – Checks for red-green colour deficiency.
• Refraction Test – Diagnoses near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

When to Screen:

• First screening at age 3–4, then every 1–2 years if no issues.
• Yearly if child has glasses or family history of eye conditions.

4. Hearing Screening (Newborn, 4 years, before starting school, and as needed)

Importance: ★★★★★
Purpose: Identifies hearing loss that can affect speech and learning.
Tests include:

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test – Done at birth.
• Pure-Tone Audiometry – Used for preschool and school-age children.
• Tympanometry – Checks for fluid buildup or infections in the middle ear.

When to Screen:

• At birth, age 4, and before starting school (5–6 years).
• As needed if speech delay or repeated ear infections occur.

5. Dental Screening (6 months onwards, every 6–12 months)

Importance: ★★★★★
Purpose: Prevents cavities and ensures proper oral development.
Tests include:

• Oral Examination – Checks for cavities, gum disease, and bite issues.
• X-rays (if needed) – Detects deep cavities or structural issues.
• Fluoride Application (if required) – Strengthens enamel and prevents decay.

When to Screen:

• First dental visit by 6–12 months.
• Every 6–12 months thereafter.

6. Blood Tests (6 months onwards, based on risk factors)

Importance: ★★★★☆
Purpose: Screens for anaemia, infections, and metabolic issues.
Tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Detects anaemia or infections.
• Iron & Ferritin Levels – Checks for iron deficiency anaemia.
• Lead Screening (if exposed to lead sources) – Prevents developmental delays.
• Glucose & Lipid Profile (if overweight or family history of diabetes/heart disease) – Detects diabetes risk.

When to Screen:

• 6–12 months for anaemia if at risk.
• After age 2 if exposed to lead sources.
• Lipid and glucose tests from age 10 if overweight or family history present.

 

7. Allergy Testing (1 year onwards if symptoms present)

Importance: ★★★★☆
Purpose: Identifies common food and environmental allergies.
Tests include:

• Skin Prick Test – Detects allergies to foods, dust, pollen, and pets.
• Blood IgE Test – Measures immune response to allergens.
• Oral Food Challenge – Confirms food allergy severity.

When to Screen:

• If child shows allergic reactions (eczema, wheezing, digestive issues).
• By age 1 for common food allergies (milk, eggs, peanuts, seafood).

 

8. Heart Screening (Birth, 5–10 years if family history of heart disease)

Importance: ★★★☆☆
Purpose: Detects congenital or acquired heart conditions.
Tests include:

• Pulse Oximetry (Newborns) – Screens for congenital heart defects.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Detects abnormal heart rhythms.
• Echocardiogram – Examines heart structure and function.
• Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Check (Age 10+ if family history present).

When to Screen:

• At birth (pulse oximetry).
• Ages 5–10 if family history of heart disease.
• Lipid profile test at 10+ if obesity or strong family risk factors.

 

9. Bone and Posture Screening (6–12 years)

Importance: ★★★☆☆
Purpose: Identifies scoliosis or bone development issues.
Tests include:

• Scoliosis Screening (Adam’s Forward Bend Test) – Detects spinal curvature.
• Vitamin D & Calcium Levels – Checks for deficiencies affecting bone growth.
• Bone Density Scan (if needed for weak bones).

When to Screen:

• Age 6–12, particularly for girls (higher scoliosis risk).

 

10. Mental Health & Behavioural Screening (School-age & adolescence)

Importance: ★★★☆☆
Purpose: Identifies anxiety, ADHD, depression, or behavioural issues.
Tests include:

• Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) – Assesses emotional and social well-being.
• Paediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) – Screens for mental health concerns.
• ADHD Assessment (if attention issues observed).

When to Screen:

• From school-age (5–6 years) if concerns arise.
• Early adolescence (12–14 years) for depression or anxiety.

 

When and What to Screen For

1. Newborn (0–1 month) – Newborn screening, hearing, congenital heart disease.
2. Infancy (0–2 years) – Growth, development, vision, hearing, anaemia.
3. Toddler (2–5 years) – Vision, hearing, dental, autism, lead exposure.
4. Childhood (6–12 years) – Vision, hearing, dental, scoliosis, heart, blood tests.
5. Adolescence (12+ years) – Mental health, cholesterol, diabetes risk.

Regular check-ups with a paediatrician ensure that screenings are done at the right time based on individual risk factors.

Top Medical Centres for Children’s Health Screenings

Ensuring children’s health through regular screenings is essential for early detection and prevention of potential health issues. In Malaysia, several medical centres offer comprehensive health screening packages tailored for children. Here are some notable options:

1. Hospital Lam Wah Ee

Located in Penang, Hospital Lam Wah Ee provides a Child Health Screening Package designed for children aged 1 to 12 years. This holistic assessment includes physical and developmental evaluations to ensure healthy growth. The package comprises medical history reviews, vaccination assessments, anthropometric measurements, vision and hearing tests, dental screenings, psychological and developmental screenings, sensory motor assessments, motor coordination evaluations, postural alignment checks, language and communication skills assessments, medical examinations by a paediatrician, and relevant laboratory tests. The package is segmented into three age-specific categories:​

• Package 1: Full Blood Count. For ages 1–3 years, priced at RM 400.​
• Package 2: Full Blood Count, Urinalysis, Stool Ova & Cyst (FEME). For ages 4–6 years, priced at RM 465.​
• Package 3: Full Blood Count, Renal Function Tests, Liver Function Tests, Urinalysis, Stool Ova & Cyst (FEME). For ages 7–12 years, priced at RM 510.​

Additional optional tests are available upon request. For more details, visit their website at https://www.hlwe.com.my/phsc/index.php.

2. Sunway Medical Centre

Based in Bandar Sunway, Sunway Medical Centre offers comprehensive child health screening services, providing medical care and preventative assessments for infants, children, and adolescents aged 0 to 15 years. Recognising the concerns parents face when their child falls ill, the centre’s paediatric specialists are dedicated to early detection, prevention, and management of a wide range of health conditions.

With a strong focus on growth monitoring, developmental milestones, and evolving medical needs, the paediatric team conducts thorough screenings to identify potential health risks at an early stage. These screenings not only help diagnose and treat illnesses but also provide parents with expert guidance on their child’s overall well-being, including physical, mental, and behavioural health.

Currently, Sunway Medical Centre offers two specialised programmes designed to support children’s development at every stage.

• Little Star Programme (0–3 years old): Focuses on early childhood development, providing parents with expert guidance to optimise their child’s growth during this crucial phase.
• Growing Star Programme (3–17 years old): Supports school-aged children and adolescents by enhancing their academic, emotional, and social well-being.

With a dedicated team of child development experts, our programmes take a holistic approach to nurturing children from infancy through their school years, ensuring they thrive in all aspects of life. More information can be found on their website at https://www.sunwaychildcentre.com/.

3. Columbia Asia Hospital

Columbia Asia Hospitals provide specialised paediatric screening and medical care for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. With a team of highly trained child specialists, the hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services tailored to young patients’ needs. The paediatric team includes experts with subspecialties in dermatology, ENT, orthopaedics, cardiology, psychiatry, general surgery, and dentistry, ensuring well-rounded medical support.

The hospital’s services cover a broad range of paediatric care, including newborn screenings, special care for neonatal conditions such as jaundice and respiratory distress, and regular paediatric clinics for growth monitoring and developmental assessments. Emergency services are also available for urgent conditions like asthma attacks, severe dehydration, allergic reactions, and seizures in older children.

In addition to general paediatric screenings, Columbia Asia Hospitals provide vaccinations, hearing assessments, and screenings for conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disorders. Their child psychology services support children with behavioural and developmental challenges, while paediatric ENT specialists address issues like allergic rhinitis and ear infections. With a commitment to delivering high-quality paediatric care, Columbia Asia ensures that children receive early screenings, accurate diagnoses, and timely medical intervention to support their long-term health and development.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.columbiaasia.com/malaysia/pediatrics/.

4. Prince Court Medical Centre

Located in Kuala Lumpur, Prince Court Medical Centre offers comprehensive child health screening services, ensuring young patients receive expert care in a child-friendly environment. The hospital is known for its team of highly skilled paediatricians, who specialise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of childhood conditions. With a strong reputation in paediatric healthcare, the hospital provides medical screenings and preventive services tailored to infants, children, and adolescents.

Paediatric screenings at Prince Court Medical Centre cover general health assessments, pulmonary diseases, asthma and allergy management, inborn metabolic disorders, genetic counselling, paediatric neurology, cardiology, ENT surgery, and paediatric surgery. The hospital also places a strong emphasis on immunisation, ensuring children receive vaccinations according to guidelines set by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Paediatricians at Prince Court stay up to date with the latest developments in childhood illnesses, including seasonal infections such as influenza and hand-foot-mouth disease, to provide both preventive and treatment solutions.

Equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, Prince Court Medical Centre offers paediatric imaging services, including digital X-rays designed to minimise radiation exposure in children. Additional paediatric procedures available include nebulisation for respiratory conditions, tympanostomy for recurrent ear infections, wound care, cast application for fractures, blood and urine tests, imaging studies such as X-rays and MRIs, electrocardiograms (ECG), and pulmonary function tests for respiratory conditions.

The hospital adopts a multidisciplinary approach, with paediatricians collaborating closely with specialists in endocrinology, nutrition, cardiology, and other fields to provide holistic care for children with complex conditions. The hospital’s child-friendly environment further enhances the experience for young patients, featuring colourful and engaging spaces, interactive elements, and a warm atmosphere designed to reduce anxiety during medical visits.  More information is available on their website at https://princecourt.com/medical-surgical-services/paediatrics.

5. Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Gleneagles Hospital provides comprehensive paediatric screening and medical care, offering specialised assessments and treatments for a wide range of childhood health conditions. The hospital’s paediatric team is dedicated to ensuring early detection, prevention, and management of common and complex paediatric illnesses, supporting children’s overall health and development.

The hospital’s screening services include evaluations for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), asthma, and childhood allergies, helping to identify and manage conditions that impact a child’s daily well-being. Paediatric specialists also diagnose and treat infections such as urinary tract infections (UTI), pneumonia, and hand, foot, and mouth disease, ensuring timely medical intervention. Additionally, screenings for kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) help detect potential renal complications in children.

Gleneagles Hospital also offers paediatric ENT (Ears, Nose & Throat) assessments, addressing concerns such as allergic rhinitis, ear infections, and other ENT-related conditions. Audiology tests and hearing assessments are available to detect hearing impairments early, ensuring appropriate treatment and support. With a focus on early diagnosis and comprehensive care, Gleneagles Hospital’s paediatric screening services provide parents with the reassurance that their child’s health is in expert hands.

Details are available on their website at https://gleneagles.com.my/kuala-lumpur/medical-specialties/paediatrics.

When considering a health screening package for your child, it’s advisable to consult directly with the hospital or medical centre to ensure the package aligns with your child’s specific health needs. Regular screenings are a proactive approach to maintaining your child’s health and well-being.