Maternity Benefit Dilemma: Who Covers Medical Costs for Emergency Deliveries at Work?

Can anyone please suggest what the Maternity Benefit Act states in the following scenario? If an employee is due to deliver and is still performing her duties at work but has to be rushed to the hospital for delivery and undergoes an operation during working hours, is the employee liable to pay for her medical expenses in addition to her paid maternity leave? If yes, what compensation needs to be provided?

Employer Liability for Medical Expenses During Maternity Leave

Is the employer liable to pay for her medical expenses in addition to her paid maternity leave? If yes, what compensation needs to be paid?

There is no provision for the reimbursement of any medical expenses in the scenario you mentioned. Also, please note that if the concerned employee is covered under the provisions of ESI, then the employer has no liability under the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act.

Regards,
Preetam Deshpande

Maternity Act Medical Bonus

As per the Maternity Act of 1961, a medical bonus of Rs. 3500/- is provided if the employer does not offer free medical care to the woman.

Regards,
J L Trivedi
Ahmedabad