Malaysia is experiencing an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Social Security Organization (SOCSO) had noted an increase in the number of claims made for invalidity and survivors' pensions due to NCDs, and the impact may continue to rise even further.

In response to this challenge, SOCSO launched the SOCSO Health Screening Programme, providing free health screening to all eligible insured persons aged 40 years old and above. The service is provided via health screening vouchers, which include clinical consultation and examination for cardiovascular diseases risk factors, cervical and breast cancers.

A total of 2.1 million insured persons were eligible for the health screening. Until July 2015, 431,227 insured persons had utilized the health screening. Epidemiological analysis had shown the benefit of the programme to the individuals and to the nation in assessing the extent of NCDs, and are used in improving the implementation of the programme.

SOCSO's experience with the programme would be useful to be shared with other social security institutions should they embark on a similar programme, regardless of the social differences in the respective countries.