Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Scotland is the first country in the UK to start the evaluation of SMA screening.
“All babies born in Scotland as of the 23 March will now receive the SMA test as part of the blood spot test that every baby in Scotland receives.
“This is a pilot across Scotland to help inform the UK screening committee about its efficacy and to allow them to take a further recommendation about its wider rollout.”
He added: “SMA can have devastating implications for babies and their families, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to early detection through our screening programme.
“By detecting SMA before symptoms develop, screening could allow earlier treatment which could be life-changing and help secure the best possible care and support for babies and families.”
SMA UK charity chief executive Giles Lomax said: “This milestone represents an important step forward for the SMA community.
“With all three treatments now routinely available through NHS Scotland alongside newborn screening, the future for anyone diagnosed with SMA is very different compared to their peers who were diagnosed symptomatically.
“These babies will now have the opportunity to grow up without lifelong health care needs and the complexity and challenges of living with SMA.”