CSC Restricts Special Health Leave to Serious Illness Cases
CSC states special health leave is available solely to civil servants with serious medical conditions | Photo: MV+
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has clarified that only civil servants undergoing treatment for serious illnesses are eligible to apply for special health leave.
The Commission has introduced a relaxation in the regulations, allowing employees to be granted leave under “special medical leave” if they are suffering from such illnesses.
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As part of its efforts to modernise the civil service and improve convenience for employees, the CSC has revised regulations, including changes to the process for applying for leave in special circumstances. Under the updated system, employees are required to submit applications directly to the Commission.
The Commission noted that previous opportunities to apply for leave in special circumstances had caused confusion among some employees, with requests being submitted without meeting the required conditions. Only employees suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer, qualify for leave under the “special medical leave” provision. Processing applications that do not meet these criteria can delay service delivery.
Applications for “special medical leave” must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the requested leave date. In urgent cases, however, the Commission has made arrangements to process requests as quickly as possible, even if applications are submitted on shorter notice.
Under the scheme, an employee suffering from a serious illness may apply for up to 60 days of leave on the first application. If the illness affects a family member, an employee may apply for up to 30 days of leave.
The Commission added that allowing employees to apply directly for Special Health Needs Leave will reduce delays by shortening communication time between government offices and the Commission.
