Guidelines on Duration of Medical Leave for Injured Workers

NAME AND CONSTITUENCY OF MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang
MP for Nee Soon GRC

QUESTION NO. 3408
To ask the Minister for Health (a) what are the latest findings in the Ministry's study on creating guidelines to help doctors determine the disability duration for specific injuries when issuing medical leave and light duties to injured workers; and (b) by what date does the Ministry expect to publish the results of this study.

ANSWER

1        The Singapore Medical Council’s Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines (ECEG) requires the doctor to place the patient’s welfare above all. Regarding medical leave, the doctor has to ensure that the duration and type of leave granted is based on medical grounds arrived at through proper clinical assessment by doctors.

2        The duration of medical leave is determined by a variety of factors including the type and severity of the injury, the period required for the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery and the specific work requirements and workplace conditions.

3        Recent changes in the WICA to require employers to report any instance of employees on medical leave or light duties due to a work injury, when effected, should reduce the risk of inadequate medical leave.

4       Therefore, for now, we do not think that guidelines for medical leave on work-related injuries is necessary.

5       My Ministry will continue to monitor the situation.