Deep Dive Podcast: Why do employers still need MCs as proof of illness?

[LaksaNews]

Jump to these key moments:

04:13 How can doctors verify vague symptoms?

07:49 Can companies do away with MCs?

11:36 The changing nature of doctor-patient relationship

16:03 Penalising the majority?

18:40 More open communication is critical


The Ministry of Health is looking to curb the "excessive issuance" of medical certificates (MCs), especially by telemedicine doctors, following feedback from employers and government agencies. But is there a deeper issue with an outdated system of needing proof of illness? Would a system of trust work better?

Steven Chia and Crispina Robert chat with Dr Shravan Verma, co-founder & CEO of Speedoc and Christine Chan, Chief Human Resource Officer of Nudgyt.

Steven Chia and Crispina Robert with their guests Dr Shravan Verma, co-founder & CEO of Speedoc and Christine Chan, Chief Human Resource Officer of Nudgyt. (Photo: CNA/Junaini Johari)
Dr Verma on why seeking MCs adds to resources:

Is an MC the only way to keep a record? Can the employer just not have a portal where people can just report in sick without having to see a doctor? This MC culture and MC-seeking behavior adds strain on (healthcare) resources.

Christine Chan on why documentation is needed:

(In time) we should do away with (formal MCs). But the cert serves as a verification, to confirm that someone is sick, but also for documentation (to see patterns).

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