Jasmin Lau on encouraging employers to offer progressive medical benefits

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and its tripartite partners are actively considering measures to improve workplace healthcare practices. This includes encouraging employers to offer progressive healthcare benefits beyond baseline statutory requirements, such as reimbursement of medical expenses beyond consultation fees and paid sick leave without requiring a medical certificate. Many employers already offer such benefits. In a 2024 MOM survey, about 30 per cent of employers polled offered paid sick leave without requiring a medical certificate, up from about 27 per cent in 2023. Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau gave this update in reply to an MP’s question in parliament on Wednesday (Oct 7).