started · updated
North Macedonia to implement new medical leave regulations
New regulations regarding medical leave in North Macedonia are set to take effect on December 1. Under the new rules, family doctors will be permitted to issue medical leave without specialist confirmation for a maximum of five days, a reduction from the current seven-day limit.
For specific diagnoses such as influenza, acute respiratory infections, viral enteritis, and certain gynecological conditions, leave may extend up to 15 days subject to laboratory analysis. Additionally, medical leave following a successful IVF procedure can last up to three months. Certain groups, including hospitalized patients, the severely ill, those receiving treatment abroad, and companions of children under three, will not be required to be physically present before a doctor or commission.
The Health Insurance Fund reported that between 2021 and 2025, the number of patients rose by 6.7%, while the number of open medical leaves increased by 33.4%. To combat misuse, authorities are exploring electronic data exchange with other institutions to monitor whether individuals on medical leave cross national borders. While the Fund denies that controls will amount to house arrest, the changes follow reports of individuals on medical leave being seen at social events or beaches.
Entities
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Between 2021 and 2025, the number of patients increased by 6.7%. almakos.com · tetova1.mk · gazeta.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Family doctors can issue medical leave without a specialist's confirmation for a maximum of 5 days. almakos.com · tetova1.mk · gazeta.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Medical leave for specific diagnoses like influenza or acute respiratory infections can last up to 15 days with laboratory analysis. almakos.com · tetova1.mk · gazeta.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The number of open medical leaves increased by 33.4% between 2021 and 2025. almakos.com · tetova1.mk · gazeta.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities are considering electronic data exchange with other institutions to monitor if individuals on medical leave cross borders. almakos.com · tetova1.mk · gazeta.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Following a successful IVF procedure, medical leave can extend up to 3 months. almakos.com · tetova1.mk · gazeta.mk