Justification for Employers Only Accepting Medical Certificates Issued by Polyclinics

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the justification for employers to only accept medical certificates issued by polyclinics; and (b) whether there are any guidelines issued to employers on limiting the imposition of such a requirement.

The Employment Act states that employers must accept medical certificates by any medical practitioner registered under the Medical Registration Act or Dental Registration Act for the purpose of granting paid sick leave, not just polyclinics.

Since this requirement is set out clearly in law and on the Ministry of Manpower website, there are no separate guidelines for employers. It is also covered in educational efforts, such as the WorkRight initiative, which helps employees and employers understand their rights and obligations respectively under the Employment Act.