Kazakhstan has introduced updated rules for conducting preventive medical examinations of children. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Key changes
According to the changes, the age and frequency of several examinations have been adjusted. Blood pressure is now measured from age 6 (previously from age 7), and an electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed at ages 10, 14, 15, and 16.
Laboratory tests
A complete blood count and urine test are taken at 1 year, 2 years, 2.5 years, 5, 10, 14, and 16 years. In addition, the procedure for mandatory oral examination has been approved: at 2 years, 2.5 years, and then annually from 3 to 17 years.
Measurements and pulse oximetry
Head circumference is measured in children under 5 years (chest circumference measurement is excluded), and pulse oximetry (determining blood oxygen levels) is performed on all children from 1 month to 18 years.
Informed consent
The requirement for voluntary informed consent to medical intervention is officially established: until age 16, consent is given by parents or legal representatives, and from age 16, adolescents can make this decision independently. Test and examination results must be available to parents through the medical digital system or mobile application.
Physical education groups
In addition, physical education for students is now divided into four groups: main (health groups 1–2), preparatory (group 3), special (group 4), and a group of exempted students (group 5) engaged in therapeutic physical education (TPE).
Disease detection
When symptoms of a disease are detected, the digital system automatically forms a further route for the child to specialists through a pediatrician or general practitioner. The scope of dynamic monitoring has also been expanded: now not only children with chronic diseases but also children with functional disorders or risk factors are taken under observation.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the Ministry of Health would retain pediatric districts in polyclinics if staffing is available.