Why do men in their 20s to 50s avoid the clinic, and what MOH screening is waiting?
Your brother-in-law says he is healthy and does not need a clinic, because he is never sick. Many men think that way. But Malaysia's Ministry of Health provides health status screening for adult men and women aged 20 to 59, to find risk factors and disease earlier. The screening is recorded on the Health Status Screening Form (BSSK) and carried out at health clinics, Klinik 1 Malaysia and community activities.
Why do so many men wait until they are ill?
Busy with work, not wanting to queue, or feeling there is nothing to check. The problem is that many risk factors give no early warning. Screening is meant for people who feel well, not only for people who are already sick.
This article explains MOH adult screening. For a list of checks by age and PERKESO's SEHATi programme, read health screening for men.
Who is MOH adult screening for?
The MOH Family Health Development Division says the target group for Adult Health Services is men and women aged 20 to 59. For people aged 60 and over, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department lists BSSK for older people as a separate category.
What is checked in this screening?
The Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department lists the focus of BSSK screening as:
- Medical, surgical and reproductive history, personal and family.
- Eating patterns.
- Physical activity.
- Substance and medicine use.
- Mental health.
- Body measurements.
Its stated aims are early detection of risk factors, early detection of disease, and early management of disease to prevent complications.
Where can this screening be done?
For adults, the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department says screening is carried out at health clinics, Klinik 1 Malaysia and in community activities. Services listed by MOH include screening to identify risk factors, advice on managing risk, referral to further services where needed, and mental health screening.
Ask your nearest health clinic how to register and when screening is held. Bring a list of the medicines and supplements you take, and your family's medical history.
How is MOH screening different from a private clinic package?
MOH screening targets set age groups and runs through government clinics and community activities. Private clinics and hospitals offer their own check-up packages with different contents and prices. PERKESO also offers screening through SEHATi to eligible contributors, so check the latest eligibility on the SEHATi site.
Whichever option you choose, the important part is asking the doctor to explain the results and the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
What age group is MOH adult screening for?
MOH says the target group for Adult Health Services is men and women aged 20 to 59. People aged 60 and over have their own screening category.
What is BSSK?
BSSK is the Health Status Screening Form (Borang Saringan Status Kesihatan), used to record screening for adolescents, adult men and women, and older people.
Does this screening include mental health?
Yes. MOH lists mental health screening for adult men and women as part of its adult health services.
Do I need to feel ill before getting screened?
No. The aim of screening is to find risk factors and disease earlier, before complications. If you already have symptoms, see a doctor without waiting for screening.
Sources
This article is general information based on MOH and Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya Health Department pages. The brother-in-law is an example. It is not medical advice; screening terms and locations can change.
