SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT REPLIES TO M.A.M. REGARDING SICKNESS AND INJURY BENEFITS’ CERTIFICATES

The Director of Social Security makes reference to the press release issued by the Medical Association of Malta wherein the Association alleges that the Director in his press release has mislead people when he informed the Public that claims for Sickness Benefit and Injury Benefit need not be certified by a Medical Practitioner. According to the legal advisers of MAM this is not in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Section 97 of the Social Security Act (Cap 318) clearly stipulates that a claim for benefit has to be submitted either "on the form provided by the Director" or "in such other manner as the Director may otherwise determine".

Section 106 further stipulates that: "in any claim for Sickness Benefit, the Director may, if he so deems fit, consult on the medical aspects of the claim one or more persons holding the warrant to practice the medical profession, appointed by the Minister for the purpose". As regards claims for Injury Benefit, the Director is still consulting with the Medical Panel appointed in terms of the law.

In the circumstances, the Director of Social Security would once again like to inform the public that the instructions announced in the Press Release issued through the Department of Information on the 17th December 2001 (PR No. 1908), effective from the 18th December 2001, are still valid.

Therefore, claims for Sickness Benefit and Injury Benefit may be made at the District Offices of the Department, without the need for any medical certification by Medical Practitioners who are employed with the Health Division at Polyclinics or other Government entities.