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Are digital MCs recognized in Singapore?

Digital Health Clinic

27 Aug 2024 

unwell-online-doctor-mc

Digital MC (Medical Certificates) in Singapore can or not? 

8 min read | save trees

Are digital MCs valid in Singapore?

MCs are legitimate as long as they are issued by SMC-registered doctors. As the MC is a computer-generated MC, the doctor's signature is not required. The doctor's name and MCR number are stated on the DigiMC. To further cement its authenticity, ensure that the digital MC is issued from the https://mc.gov.sg domain. If your employer does not accept your MC, you may inform them that this is a new initiative by GovTech and point them to this webpage www.mc.gov.sg for more information. For further clarifications, your employer can contact GovTech via the support form. 

All our doctors follow prevailing SMEC Ethical Code and Ethical guidelines governing the issuance of Medical Certificates (MCs) in Singapore.

Why do you need to get an Medical Certificate (MC) in Singapore?

In Singapore, obtaining a Medical Certificate (MC) for missing work, a class, or an exam is a common requirement. Workplaces and schools often mandate that employees and students provide an MC to validate absences due to illness. This practice is crucial, especially when dealing with contagious conditions that could spread to other colleagues or students.

Attending work or school with a fever or other contagious symptoms is highly discouraged for several reasons. Firstly, it puts others at risk. For instance, in 2021, an Covid-19 outbreak occurred in schools because students attended classes while still contagious. This not only compromised the health of other students but also disrupted the school environment. In the workplace, the situation is no different. When employees come to work while ill, they risk spreading their illness to coworkers. This can lead to a domino effect where more employees fall sick, ultimately affecting the overall productivity of the company.

Contagious illnesses like the flu, common cold, or more severe infections like COVID-19 can spread rapidly in a closed environment, making it vital to stay home when unwell. Moreover, attending work or school while sick can hinder your recovery. Your body needs rest to fight off the illness effectively. By pushing yourself to attend work or school, you risk prolonging your illness or worsening your condition, which can lead to longer periods of absence in the long run.

Another reason to avoid attending work or school when sick is the impact on mental and physical health. Being sick can already be stressful, and adding the pressure of work or school responsibilities can exacerbate this stress, making it harder for your body to recover. In addition, many organizations and educational institutions in Singapore have policies in place that require an MC to be presented for absences due to illness. This is to ensure that the absence is legitimate and to maintain a healthy environment for everyone. By obtaining an MC, you are following these protocols and helping to maintain the integrity of your workplace or school. In Singapore, the Employment Act protects employees by granting them a paid sick leave entitlement.

In conclusion, it’s essential to get sufficient rest and fully recover before returning to work or school. This not only helps in preventing the spread of contagious illnesses but also ensures that you are fit and ready to resume your responsibilities without risking your health or the health of others. Always prioritize your well-being and adhere to the necessary health guidelines by obtaining an MC when you are unwell.

"I am residing in Malaysia. Can I consult a Singapore doctor and get an MC?"

Yes! In fact, many foreign workers in Singapore have their primary place of residence in Malaysia, particularly Johor Bahru. You can arrange a teleconsultation via video call with a doctor in Singapore, who will be able to assess your condition and issue an MC accordingly.

Can I convert my Malaysia-issued MC to a Singapore-issued MC?

In general, our attending doctor can issue a new Singapore Medical Certificate (MC) provided that they have independently assessed that your medical condition and reason for medical leave is legitimate. However, if after a thorough assessment there are doubts regarding the legitimacy of the medical condition and/or the authenticity of the original Medical Certificate (MC), the attending doctor may decline to issue a new one.

Please note that the date of issue on the new MC will be the day of your consultation and cannot be backdated.

We recommend that employees speak to their employers first to determine if they will accept foreign-issued MCs.

More questions patients have asked about Medical Certificates...

Medical Certificates in Singapore are recognized as long as they are issued by doctors registered by the Singapore Medical Council. Moreover, our electronic medical certificate (e-MC) will be issued using MC.GOV.SG with verifiable link and QR code.
A valid Medical Certificate comprises the following:

  • 1. Serial number for validation of authenticity
  • 2. Type of medical leave (For example, unfit for school or duty)
  • 3. Date of issue of MC
  • 4. Duration of leave given
  • 5. Name and MCR of the Doctor (anonymous Doctors not allowed)
  • 6. Your name and identification number
  • 7. For DigiMC, ensure that it is issued from 'https://mc.gov.sg'

No, if our Doctor has assessed that you are well and fit for work - a Medical Certificate cannot be issued.

In general, our Doctors will issue an appropriate duration of MC that is consummate with the expected recovery period. This typically ranges between 1 to 3 days depending on the type of illness and severity. 

Our Doctors will need to assess if an extension of MC is warranted (with or without a subsequent video consult). In some cases, where your illness is taking longer than usual to resolve, our doctor will take necessary steps to advice you further and may suggest a in-clinic review.

A consult fee may be applicable if the doctor requires that a video consult is needed before extending your MC. Otherwise, an administrative fee of $8 will be charged for all MC extensions.

It is illegal to buy a Medical Certificate in Singapore. A doctor will have to assess your illness over a compulsory video consult before a Medical Certificate can be issued. Thankfully, seeing a Doctor for minor ailments can be easy and straight forward - it can be done in under 5 - 10 minutes.

Yes, in Singapore all Medical Certificates must be issued only after a proper assessment by a licensed Doctor through a consultation (whether Physical or Video call).

    During your video consult with Telemedicine doctors, they will assess your medical condition and suitability for a Medical Certificate. The doctor will also advise you on your need for medications separately.