More Bay children benefit from free health checks - Todd Muller

National party Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller. Photo/file

More children in the Bay of Plenty are benefiting from free before school health checks than ever before.

The 'B4 School Checks' help give children the best start at school by identifying and addressing any potential health or developmental problems at an early stage, said National MP for Bay of Plenty, Todd Muller.

As at July 1, 2015, a total of 97 per cent of the 1,012 general practices around the country have opted to provide free GP visits for under-13s - covering around 98 per cent of all under-13s.

Nationwide 92 per cent of children received their checks in 2014/15.

This figure was matched by those in high deprivation areas.

"The Bay of Plenty District Health Board reached 88 percent of eligible children through this programme, meaning more of our children are getting their hearing, eyesight, height, weight, and oral health assessments, as well as taking comprehensive health and development questionnaires," said Mr Muller.

"I meet many parents with young children in the Bay of Plenty who are keen to ensure children get checks as close to four years of age as possible. It means families are able to connect with any additional support services they might need before their child starts school.

"Bay children are also getting a better start to life through initiatives like this and free GP visits which were extended to all children under-13 on July 1," said Mr Muller.