Medical Leave and CGHS Approved Certificates for Central Government Employees in India

Central Government employees in India are typically required to produce a CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) approved medical certificate when requesting medical leave. This requirement is part of a stringent set of rules outlined in the Central Civil Services Medical Allowance (CSMA) Rules, which govern the issuance and validation of medical certificates for such leave.

Understanding the Rules

It is essential to understand that while the requirement of a CGHS approved medical certificate for medical leave is generally mandatory, there can be variations based on the specific department or ministry. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult your HR or administrative department for any additional guidelines or exceptions that may apply.

CGHS Beneficiaries: A government servant, whether gazetted or non-gazetted, who is a CGHS beneficiary must produce the Medical/Fitness certificate in the form prescribed in Rule 19 of the CCS (Central Civil Services) Leave Rules 1972, from a CGHS doctor. Non-CGHS Beneficiaries: If the government servant is not a CGHS beneficiary, they must produce a certificate from a Government Hospital or an Authorized Medical Attendee (AMA). Away from CGHS Area or Proceeds on Duty: If the CGHS beneficiary is away from the CGHS area or is on duty outside the headquarters, they need to produce a certificate from an AMA, provided no AMA is available within a 8 km radius from their residence or place of temporary stay outside the headquarters and they find it difficult to obtain the certificate from a CGHS or AMA. Private Hospital Treatment: In the case of hospitalization or indoor treatment in a private hospital recognized under the CGHS/Central Services Rules 1944, a government servant, regardless of whether they are a CGHS beneficiary or not, can produce the requisite Medical/Fitness certificate from an Authorized doctor on account of the particular kind of disease for which the hospital has been recognized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Second Medical Opinion: The leave sanctioning authority may, at its discretion, request a second medical opinion from a Government Medical Officer not below the rank of a Civil Surgeon or Staff Surgeon for the speedy medical examination of the concerned government servant. Leaves Not automatic: The obtaining of a medical certificate does not automatically confer the right to leave. The government servant should await the orders of the authority competent to grant leave. Certificate Details: The certificate should define the nature and probable duration of the illness as clearly as possible.

Common Questions and Clarifications

Q: Can any Government Doctor's certificate be accepted for medical leave?
A: While it is generally accepted to produce a certificate from any Government Doctor, the CSMA Rules specifically stipulate that only those doctors can issue medical certificates that are admissible for medical leave.

Q: What happens if I submit a private medical certificate for medical leave?
A: Submitting a private medical certificate is permissible, but it will be treated as use of earned leave rather than medical leave. It is recommended to use a CGHS approved medical certificate for genuine medical leave.

Conclusion

To summarize, while the production of a CGHS approved medical certificate is generally compulsory for medical leave, special cases can be handled under different rules. It is vital for a central government employee to comply with the prescribed procedures and consult their departmental guidelines for any specific requirements.

For further inquiries or detailed rules, refer to the book 'Leave Rules Made Easy' by Muthuswamy and Brinda.

To get in touch with the author for any questions, feel free to reach out. If this is your first interaction, please allow me to introduce myself: Hi, I am Shivani Tripathi, an SEO professional specialized in providing guidance on the intricacies of Central Government Health Scheme rules.