In today’s fast-paced and competitive work culture, ensuring the health and safety of employees should be the priority of any responsible organization. When an employee falls ill or is suffering from a serious medical condition, the security of his salary is extremely important for his mental and emotional health. For this purpose, some concrete provisions have been made under the Employment Act, which include paid sick leave and paid hospitalization leave. These policies provide financial support to employees who have completed at least three months of service at their workplace. This arrangement ensures that no employee gets into financial crisis just due to illness and does not have to compromise on his job or dignity.
When an employee is appointed in a company, for the first few months he works only unpaid or with limited facilities, but as the period of service increases, he gets more rights and benefits. The most important of these benefits is paid sick leave and hospitalization leave. This facility not only keeps the employee financially secure during illness but also provides the organization with a stable and committed workforce. Today we will know in detail how this policy works, what its benefits are, who is eligible, and what the right way to do it is.
Which employee is entitled to this facility? Complete information about eligibility
Not all employees get this right, but some minimum qualifications have been set for this. The first condition is that the employee comes under the Employment Act and has completed at least three months of service with his current employer. This condition has been kept so that it can be ensured that a permanent and trustworthy relationship has been established between the employee and the employer. Apart from this, it is also necessary that the employee has informed his employer about his illness within 48 hours. This time limit has been fixed so that the employer can make alternative arrangements and the company’s operations are not affected.
Just giving information is not enough; you will also have to get a certificate from a registered medical practitioner that you are unable to work. This doctor should be registered under the Medical Registration Act or Dental Registration Act. Leave will not be approved on the basis of a certificate from an unrecognized doctor.
Difference between paid sick and hospitalization leave: Know when each leave will be available.
It is often seen that employees are unable to understand the difference between paid sick and hospitalization leave. While both are used in different circumstances. Paid sick leave is given in those cases when you cannot attend the workplace due to any common illness like fever, viral infection, migraine etc. and the doctor has declared you unwell.
On the other hand, paid hospitalization leave is given in more serious circumstances, such as:
- Hospitalization or day surgery
- Need for bed rest due to pregnancy-related complications,
- Need for medical care or rest for some time after discharge from the hospital,
- Quarantine situation under government order.
Importantly, hospitalization leave is not considered an extension of sick leave, but it is a separate category of facility. This allows employees to get long-term leave in serious health conditions.
How many days of sick leave and hospital leave can be availed?
The number of sick leave and hospitalization leave is also decided according to the period of service. If you have served for 6 months or more, you will get 14 days of paid sick leave and 60 days of paid hospitalization leave. It is worth noting that these 60 days also include 14 days of sick leave. That is, you can get a maximum of 60 days of paid leave in total.
For new employees whose service is less than 6 months, leave is given on a pro-rated basis. Such as:
| Length of Service | Paid Sick Leave (Days) | Hospitalisation Leave (Days) |
| 3 Months | 5 | 15 |
| 4 Months | 8 | 30 |
| 5 Months | 11 | 45 |
| 6 Months and above | 14 | 60 |
It is clear from this table that as the service period increases, you also get more leave facilities.
Which medical procedures are not covered?
Many people ask this question: whether paid sick leave can be availed for cosmetic surgery such as Botox, facelift or plastic surgery. The answer is no. Unless it is clear that this surgery is being done for a medical reason and the doctor has declared it necessary, it will not be considered eligible for paid leave. Although this may be covered in special cases in the policy of some companies, there is no guarantee of this under the law.
Why is it necessary to give information and how to give it?
It is the duty of any responsible employee to inform his employer as soon as possible in case of illness or emergency. Under the Employment Act, it is mandatory that you inform your employer within 48 hours and, if possible, submit a medical certificate as well. This gives the employer time to make alternative arrangements and the workplace system is also maintained. Apart from this, when you return to work, submit a medical certificate so that your paid sick leave can be approved.
Conclusion:
Paid sick leave and hospitalization leave are not just a facility but a trust that gives mental and financial security to the employee. This system proves that if you have a sick leave, then you can get it. If you are performing your duties with dedication, then the organization is also with you in your difficult times. This two-way relationship not only makes the workplace more effective but also builds a bridge of trust between the employee and the organization.
If you are an employee who has worked for at least three months, you should be aware of your rights. Contact your HR department, understand the rules and use them when needed. This will not only protect your health but also safeguard your self-esteem.