Employee Accident During COVID: Can She Still Claim ESIC Benefits Now?

One of my employees met with an accident while working during COVID. Immediately, we shifted her to a private hospital and completed her treatment privately. She is covered under ESIC. Now, she is claiming that she needs to forego the benefits provided by ESI. This incident occurred a month ago. Is there any chance for her to avail of the benefits from ESIC now? Please guide and help.

When an ESI-covered employee, i.e., IP, meets with an accident while on duty, you need to send him/her to an ESI hospital or ESI panel doctor only for treatment and not to a private hospital. You also need to submit the accident report to ESIC within the stipulated time. The submission of the accident report is now online.

If you have any convincing reason to send the IP to a private hospital/doctor, you should immediately inform ESIC. In such a case, you/IP can get reimbursement of medical expenses from the Corporation by making an application.

To avail of the leave benefit under ESIC, the leave has to be supported by the ESI Panel doctor with whom the IP is registered. No leave benefit will be granted to the IP without a medical certificate for leave from the registered panel doctor.