Public servants, teachers, and private-sector employees may receive sick leave or medical reports during the year due to certain conditions or illnesses. Although specific rights are granted to civil servants in these cases, there are clear rules and laws that govern how medical reports are issued. One such rule limits the number of days a single physician can authorize for a public servant within a calendar year.
If a Single Physician Is Involved
If the employee chooses to obtain their medical report from a single physician, they can receive up to 40 days of sick leave in a year from that one doctor. These 40 days are not issued as a single block. The maximum continuous period a single physician can grant at one time is 10 days. If the condition requires a follow-up examination after those 10 days, the same physician may grant an additional 10-day report following the re-evaluation. After that second 10-day period, any further extensions must be issued by a medical board rather than the same single physician.
Reports issued by a single physician do not differ based on whether the doctor practices domestically or abroad; they are prepared in accordance with the country’s legislation.
Differences Between Illness Types
If a civil servant is injured in an accident while performing their duties, this is treated as an exceptional case. The employee is granted the necessary medical leave, which may be extended without a fixed limit until recovery. The same approach applies to occupational diseases: the employee can remain away from duty until they recover.
For illnesses that require long-term treatment or hospitalization—such as cancer or severe mental health conditions—the duration of the medical leave is handled differently. In these situations, instead of a single physician, a medical institution or board can authorize sick leave for up to 18 months.
Maternity leave and similar situations are also subject to specific provisions outside the standard single-physician limits according to applicable legislation.
If There Is No Physician at the Health Facility
If the health facility visited during an illness does not have a physician available, health officers or nurses may issue a medical certificate. Such certificates are considered sick leave and can be granted for periods of up to seven days.
Keep in mind that if the total duration of sick leave granted by a single physician exceeds 40 days, an investigation may be initiated. These rules and conditions are prepared by the Personnel Directorate in line with the opinions of health institutions and social security authorities and are published as regulations. All civil servants governed by Law 657 can consult the relevant provisions under Article 105 for detailed guidance.