Labor pledges $38 million boost to newborn screening

In its latest pre-election pitch, the federal opposition will invest $38.4 million to expand infant medical screening, which currently covers roughly 25 conditions in most states.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the investment would enable doctors to pick up 80 conditions in newborns.

"Newborn screening is crucial to identify and treat rare diseases allowing conditions to be diagnosed, with something as simple as a heel prick at birth, our kids can get the care they need from the earliest stages of life," he said.

"Parents can be confident that no matter which hospital their child is born in, their baby will be fully screened."

Mr Albanese said Labor would also work with the states and territories, including updating screened conditions on medical advice.