Company liable to pay if employee has not gone through the ESIC for her treatment during maternity?

If any female employee is covered under ESIC but has not sought treatment through ESIC during her maternity leave, nor has she obtained a maternity certificate (Form 18) from ESIC, can she still avail of maternity leave benefits from ESIC? Or will the employer be responsible for paying her wages during maternity leave?

Woman employees covered under ESI can contact ESI with all relevant documents and avail the benefits provided therein. Employers should guide the employees to avail ESI benefits. Nevertheless, ESI will pay the benefits subject to eligibility criteria.