Starting January 1, 2025, a new mandatory medical examination schedule for children in france will be implemented, requiring a total of twenty visits from birth too age sixteen.
The French public service has unveiled this updated calendar, emphasizing the importance of these appointments to “ensure the child’s good health” and “guide families towards additional care if necessary”, as stated on the official government website. Notably, one of the fourteen exams previously required in the first three years of life will be eliminated.However, children must still attend medical check-ups at specific intervals: within eight days of birth, during the second week, and monthly from two to twenty-five months, along with at least one annual visit between ages three and six.
Four medical exams from childhood to adolescence
As of next January, a new…
New regulations mandate that children aged seven and older must undergo a series of four mandatory medical check-ups between the ages of 7 and 16. These visits, scheduled at ages 7, 8-9, 11-13, and 15-16, are fully covered by health services and are designed to monitor the child’s growth, emotional development, and overall health. This initiative not only ensures that children receive essential vaccinations but also emphasizes the obligation of parents to ensure their children attend these critical appointments. The public health service has reiterated the importance of these check-ups in fostering healthy development during formative years.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Boucher. We’re excited to discuss the new mandatory medical examination schedule for children in France starting January 1, 2025. Can you explain the significance of this change?
Dr. Boucher: Thank you for having me. The updated medical examination schedule is crucial for monitoring children’s health from birth to age sixteen. It emphasizes preventative care, ensuring that children receive timely health assessments and vaccinations.This program not only addresses physical health but also focuses on emotional and developmental milestones throughout childhood.
TNE: You mentioned that this schedule requires a total of twenty visits from birth to sixteen. What does the timeline look like for these check-ups?
Dr. Boucher: Yes, indeed. New parents will need to bring their infants for check-ups shortly after birth—within eight days, then during the second week. From the ages of two months to twenty-five months, there are monthly check-ups. Additionally, children should have at least one annual visit between ages three and six. Afterward, between ages seven and sixteen, children will be required to undergo four designated check-ups: at ages seven, eight to nine, eleven to thirteen, and fifteen to sixteen. This systematic approach is designed to foster a continuous and complete understanding of a child’s health.
TNE: That sounds thorough. what changes should parents be aware of compared to the previous schedule?
Dr. Boucher: A notable change is the elimination of one of the fourteen required exams in the first three years.This adjustment reflects an effort to streamline the process without compromising the quality of care. The focus remains on ensuring children receive necessary vaccinations and early interventions when needed.It places a strong obligation on parents to prioritize these health check-ups, which are vital for their children’s well-being.
TNE: How do you think this initiative will impact family decision-making regarding healthcare?
Dr. Boucher: This initiative encourages families to become more proactive about healthcare.By establishing mandatory check-ups, the government is reinforcing the importance of regular medical evaluations. Parents will need to take these appointments seriously, plan for them, and make them a priority in their family schedules.This not only promotes better health outcomes but may also destigmatize regular medical visits,making them a norm rather than an exception.
TNE: Indeed,raising awareness about preventive care is essential. Are there any particular challenges or implications you foresee with this implementation?
Dr. Boucher: One challenge might be ensuring that all families have easy access to healthcare services. Even though these check-ups are covered by health services, disparities in transportation, availability of medical professionals, or even awareness could create gaps in compliance. It’s crucial that the government and health agencies provide support and resources to help families navigate this new requirement.
TNE: Lastly, what advice woudl you give to parents ahead of this new program starting?
Dr. Boucher: My advice would be to familiarize themselves with the new schedule and prepare for these appointments.Establishing a routine early on can help ensure consistency in attending these check-ups. Parents should also engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to understand the importance of each visit. Staying informed will empower them to make the best decisions for their children’s health throughout these critical development years.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Boucher. This details is invaluable for our readers. We’re hopeful that these new regulations will foster a healthier future for children in France.