North Macedonia’s opposition opposes reducing sick leave from 7 to 5 days

The opposition in North Macedonia is calling for a review of the legal changes that would shorten sick leave without an additional medical examination from 7 to 5 days. Authorities say the aim is to prevent abuse, while LSDM leader Venko Filipche criticizes the proposal for failing to take citizens’ actual needs into account.

Filipche cited the appointment of the director of the Health Insurance Fund as an example, saying that the staffing plan did not envisage a person with a background in physical education leading the institution. He also opposed the reduction of sick leave and recalled that stitches following a surgical procedure are removed on the seventh day.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said the issue could be discussed and that the concerns could be clarified. According to him, the administrative procedure is ongoing and responsibility for the matter lies with the Health Insurance Fund.

Labor law inspector Amir Imeri said on the “Gjurmët” program on “Alsat” that abusing sick leave constitutes a criminal offense. He referred to Article 168 of the Criminal Code, under which the abuse of social insurance, including health insurance, is punishable by up to one year in prison.

The proposed changes provide for sick leave of up to 5 days without undergoing an additional examination, whereas the current limit is 7 days.