In line with the government’s digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing convenience for citizens and alleviating pressure on primary healthcare facilities and medical professionals, the Ministry of Health is introducing a new service for obtaining sick leave without the need for a medical consultation through designated electronic platforms.
The ministry emphasizes that certain cases do not necessitate a medical consultation, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The proposal stipulates that the duration of sick leave granted to the employee without consulting the doctor through electronic means should not exceed 3 days per month. In a recent statement, the Ministry announced that Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, has communicated with the Civil Service Commission regarding the implementation of this service, using the electronic platforms authorized by the Ministry.
The Minister’s communication included reference to his Letter No. 15- 35-2023, which proposed amending Civil Service Council Resolution No. 39 of 2006, addressing leave periods, regulations, and provisions. This proposed amendment encompasses the launch of the sick leave service without medical consultation through approved electronic means.
The Ministry has established specific guidelines for the granting of sick leave as follows: Full-pay leave for the initial fifteen days, half-pay leave for the subsequent fifteen days, quarter-pay leave for the subsequent fifteen days and leave without pay for the remaining days. Concurrently, the Kuwait Medical Association has commended Minister Al-Awadhi’s initiative in a statement, highlighting that a significant percentage of clinic visitors, estimated at 25 to 40 percent, seek medical attention. The association notes that it had previously proposed the implementation of “extra hours” for doctors in specialized fields facing a shortage of medical professionals.
Furthermore, the association called for the stabilization of specialization allowances for doctors and discussed various measures with the Ministry. These measures include ensuring the availability of medicines and medical supplies, as well as operating evening clinics for diabetes and chronic diseases, along with specialized dispensaries during the evening hours.
Source- Arab Times.
