The sixth center for early detection or screening of newborns was established in Uvurkhangai Province. The test, which is performed on newborns within 24-72 hours, was introduced in Mongolia last year. In the regional diagnostic and treatment centers of Dornod, Orkhon, and Khovd provinces, tests for early detection of newborns are carried out. Now, the children of Uvurkhangai Province are able to be included. Doctors believe that it is possible to diagnose and prevent developmental and intellectual problems in the early stage by taking five drops of blood from a child’s heel and detecting various disorders. 

In this regard, the neonatologist at the maternity department of the Regional Diagnostic Treatment Center in Uvurkhangai Province, N.Sunjidmaa said, “About 2,100-2,300 babies are born in our province every year. By performing this test on all newborns, metabolic, endocrine, and genetic disorders can be detected at an early stage. It is important for a child to grow up healthy”. There are many children with congenital hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth) in our country. If the disease is detected in infancy, thyroid hormone replacement therapy will be done throughout their lives. If the diagnosis and treatment are delayed, there is a risk of physical and mental health problems.

More than 50 percent of all citizens with special needs have congenital disorders. On the other hand, it is estimated that about 1,200 children with disabilities can be detected or even treated annually with the help of the newborn screening test. The health insurance fund will cover the cost of the test, so parents can register their child as soon as it is born.