World Helath Day 2025: Why Every Newborn Should Undergo Critical Health Screenings? – News18
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Given their life-saving potential, newborn screenings should not be seen as optional but as a fundamental part of postnatal care—ensuring that every child gets the healthiest possible start.
Newborn health tests are crucial to identify concealed medical conditions at an early stage
In the first few days of life, a newborn undergoes rapid physiological changes as they transition from the womb to the world. While most babies appear perfectly healthy at birth, some may carry hidden medical conditions that, if left undetected, can lead to serious complications. This is where newborn health screenings play a pivotal role—offering a chance to detect a range of disorders early, often before symptoms even surface.
“Newborn health screenings are a vital step in ensuring a baby’s long-term well-being by detecting serious medical conditions early,” says Dr. Varun Vij, Senior Consultant – Paediatrics Neonatology at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. “These screenings are typically conducted within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth and test for metabolic, genetic, endocrine disorders, hearing loss, and critical congenital heart defects.”
These health checks are especially critical in a country like India, where the prevalence of certain disorders is notably higher than in many developed countries. For example, congenital hypothyroidism (CH)—a condition that can lead to growth delays and intellectual disability if untreated—affects approximately 1 in 727 to 1 in 2,640 newborns in India. Despite this, less than 3% of the country’s 25 million annual births undergo newborn screening.
“Newborn health tests are crucial to identify concealed medical conditions at an early stage,” echoes Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant – Paediatrics & Neonatology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. “These include genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and congenital disorders that are not normally observable at birth.”
Among the most vital tests is screening for phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disorder that, if undiagnosed, may result in irreversible intellectual disability. Similarly, hypothyroidism—another common target of screening—can severely impact brain development if not treated early.
Another key component of newborn screening is pulse oximetry, a simple, non-invasive test used to detect critical congenital heart defects (CCHD). “This test helps identify heart conditions that may require immediate medical or surgical intervention,” explains Dr. Dubey. “It’s a life-saving measure, particularly in cases where no outward symptoms are evident.”
Equally significant is hearing screening, which, if conducted early, can prevent developmental delays in speech and language. “Early treatment greatly enhances language acquisition and cognitive development in infants affected by hearing loss,” she adds.
Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and jaundice are also among the conditions that can be identified through early testing. “Severe untreated jaundice, for example, can lead to brain damage,” notes Dr. Dubey. “That’s why jaundice screening is a critical part of early neonatal care.”
Fortunately, the process is quick, painless, and highly effective. “The tests are non-invasive,” says Dr. Vij, “involving a simple heel-prick blood sample, pulse oximetry, and hearing assessments. They offer a powerful way to safeguard newborn health.”
Beyond health outcomes, early screening also helps reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing expensive hospitalizations and treatments. “It allows for timely intervention, preventing lifelong disabilities and improving a child’s quality of life,” Dr. Vij emphasizes.
For parents, it is essential to ensure these screenings are completed before hospital discharge. In families with a history of genetic disorders, doctors may recommend additional tests to ensure comprehensive screening. “Expecting parents should discuss available screenings with their doctor,” Dr. Vij advises, “to ensure their newborn receives the best care from the very beginning.”
In essence, newborn screenings represent a small step with massive impact—a simple, proactive measure that can change the course of a child’s life. As Dr. Dubey aptly puts it, “Screening is painless and very effective at giving children a healthy beginning in life. All too often, conditions picked up by screening won’t yet display any signs, so cannot be easily diagnosed without tests.”
Given their life-saving potential, newborn screenings should not be seen as optional but as a fundamental part of postnatal care—ensuring that every child gets the healthiest possible start.
