Healthcare facilities in UAE begin compliance with National Newborn Screening Guidelines

Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country have initiated compliance with the National Newborn Screening Guidelines, which was recently endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and came into effect on Aug.16, 2025.

Mohap confirmed that the accredited reference laboratory conducting tests related to newborn screening is required to adhere to the National Newborn Screening Guidelines.

This means that the laboratory must conduct the physical examination within the country, and conduct confirmatory tests within the country.

However, in exceptional circumstances, confirmatory tests may be conducted in reference laboratories outside the country upon the request of the health authority and subsequent approval from the Ministry of Health.

This is only for tests that cannot be performed in reference laboratories located within the country. The list of diseases subject to screening included in the National Guidelines must be adhered to, with no additional tests permitted without the approval and certification of the National Newborn Screening Committee. Electronic connection with the Usrati platform is also mandatory.

The Ministry clarified its decision to adopt the guidelines, stipulating that health facilities where births take place must adhere to the National Newborn Screening Guidelines, and contract with one or more reference laboratories from the approved and updated list by Mohap as laboratories authorised to conduct medical examinations for newborns.

In addition, they must provide the necessary support to the parents of the newborn by providing awareness and education on the importance of conducting medical examinations for newborns and providing them with the guidance brochure referred to in the National Newborn Screening Guidelines.

The Ministry indicated that the health facility at which the newborn medical screening is conducted determines its cost, provided that this cost does not exceed Dhs500 and can be calculated within the total cost of delivery.

The aforementioned tests consist of the following: preliminary blood and hearing tests, in addition to a cardiac examination. Confirmatory tests are mandated for cases that medically necessitate them, as outlined in the National Newborn Screening Guidelines.

These include: confirmatory blood tests, confirmatory cardiac ultrasound, confirmatory hearing examinations, and any other tests that are deemed necessary following a decision issued by the Minister of Health, subsequent to coordination with the relevant health authorities.