Navigating Medical Leave: Should Companies Pay When Employees Extend Their Absence?

Dear Seniors,

I have a case. A Maintenance Manager met with an accident in a company. He was taken to the doctor, and the doctor stated that everything is normal and there is no fracture-like injury. However, the patient was advised by the doctor to take rest for 15 days. The patient returned to the office after 10 days and then went on leave again the very next day citing medical reasons related to the same injury. He consulted another doctor and submitted a medical certificate stating he was medically "unfit to join duty" for the next month.

Now, my question is, in this type of case, is the company bound to pay his salary for the period of his absence? Is the company obligated to accept a doctor's certificate from a physician other than the company's doctor?

I am seeking an urgent answer, please.

Regards, Ali

Ethically and legally, he shall receive half of his basic and other necessary regular allowances, such as medical leave, in accordance with the Workers' Compensation Act if he is involved in an accident while on duty. Only a registered government practitioner's certificate for the rest is considered valid. However, much depends on his job nature, remuneration package, and company policies. You can still conduct a reference check regarding the medical benefits provided. Delve deeper into the Workers' Compensation Act and explore various posts on the same in the forum.

Best of luck!

Mr. Ali,

You may ask your maintenance manager to approach ESI for further treatment if he is covered by ESI. If he goes to ESI, the management will not have any burden in paying his salary or anything. ESI will pay accident benefits based on his injury and according to his salary per day proportion. If he is out of ESI, 50% of the reimbursement is covered and to be paid from the Workmen's Compensation Act, depending on the nature and extent of the injury. You may refer to the Workmen's Compensation table and the schedule clearly states the compensation benefits (in %) to be given for each injury or physical disablement.

First, ask him to go to the ESI hospital if he is an Insured Person (IP) and then proceed with others. Do not tell him to go to a private medical practitioner.

If you still have any doubts, you can ask.

Regards,
R. Devarajan

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for your reply. By the time, we have solved the problem by paying him the full amount. The manager has resigned, and we have settled his account.

Regards,
Ali