UAE: Hospitals offer free checkups for students, teachers going back to school

Some private hospitals in Abu Dhabi are offering complimentary general health checkups for students ahead of school reopening on August 29.

Millennium Hospital in Mussafah’s Shabiya 9 – an area dotted with educational institutions - and LLH Hospitals in Abu Dhabi City and industrial area are providing free of charge comprehensive medical care, and several other healthcare facilities are giving up to 50 per cent discount on consultation fees.

Dr Fahad Farouk, a specialist paediatrician at Millennium Hospital, underlined that a month-long free checkup is offered to students from preschool to Grade 12 in all the schools in Abu Dhabi from Friday.

“We wish to ensure that children are in the best shape as they return to school. We will check vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight and any health issues, their growth and development parameters etc.,” Dr Farouk said about the hospital’s ‘Ready to Go’ campaign.

Dr Farouk noted that blood tests would be done to ascertain vitamin D and haemoglobin levels.

“With the pandemic situation and scorching summer heat, children continued to stay indoors. Since they have zero exposure to the sun, they may lack vitamin D.”

A haemoglobin test will be done to check for iron deficiency, which may result in fewer red blood cells leading to issues like anaemia.

“Haemoglobin levels are associated with cognition and intelligence quotient. If there is a low haemoglobin level, we know there is a deficiency of iron, and it can affect the development of a child.”

Apart from a paediatrician, optometrists and dentists will also be at service in Millennium Hospital.

“An eye exam will be done, mainly a refraction test. With students glued to their gadgets, mainly mobile phones, we are seeing a rise in vision-related problems. If there is any issue, children will be referred to an ophthalmologist. A dental checkup is a must as while staying indoors they have been consuming mostly sweets, chocolates etc. And we will look into the obesity problem too. With no outdoor activity, weight gain is an issue among children. We will emphasise the need for physical activity and a nutritious diet,” Dr Farouk said and noted that students need to show their school identity card during registration. To book appointments call +971 26113333 (9am to 9pm).

Health checkups for teachers too

LLH Hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Mussafah and LLH Medical Center in Shabiya 9 are not just catering to students but also extending free checkups to teachers.

“We wish to have a healthy academic year. Prevention is better than cure. We don’t want any children to take any sick leaves now. So, we will ensure their general well-being to return to school,” said Dr Ranjitha Sasilekha, head of department and specialist paediatrician at LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi.