Kazakhstani residents entitled to three days of social leave, according to prosecutors' decree
In Kazakhstan, preventive examinations and screenings are a crucial part of the nation's health care system, as outlined in the Code "On the Health of the Nation." These screenings are mandatory for all citizens, and cover a range of diseases including major cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, glaucoma, chronic hepatitis B and C, and more.
The target groups for these screenings, their frequency, and extent are decided by the competent authority. For instance, breast cancer screenings are for women aged 40 to 70, every two years; cervical cancer screenings are for women aged 30 to 70, every four years; and colorectal cancer screenings are for men and women aged 50 to 70, every two years.
Screenings are conducted at clinics in one's place of residence, with each primary healthcare organization having screening cabinets. To undergo a screening, one needs an ID document and should visit the clinic. It's important to note that all these screenings are free of charge.
Workers in Kazakhstan are entitled to up to three days of social leave annually for these screenings, as per the Labor Code. This leave is generally considered under sick leave or other leave policies regulated by the Labor Code. Employees are entitled to sick leave upon providing a medical certificate, with full or partial payment covered by the employer and social insurance.
If an employer refuses to grant social leave for screening tests, employees have the following options:
- Provide official medical documentation supporting the need for leave (e.g., screening appointments).
- Remind the employer of their legal obligations under Kazakhstan's labor laws that entitle employees to sick leave and social protections.
- If the refusal persists, employees may escalate the issue to labor inspection authorities or take legal action, as employers are generally required to respect paid sick leave entitlements and cannot legally deny leave without valid reasons.
Recently, in the Zhetysu region, prosecutors found that over 90 workers had not undergone mandatory screenings for two years. Following the inspection, the rights of the violated workers were restored, and three employers were held administratively liable.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population has stated that workers do not need to submit documents confirming the passage of screening studies, except in cases where they voluntarily submit them. The details of how to file for social leave were explained by the Ministry.
In conclusion, it is essential for workers to take advantage of the mandatory screenings and their entitlement to social leave for these tests. By doing so, they can ensure their health and wellbeing, and hold their employers accountable for providing the necessary time off.
- To foster workplace wellness and health-and-wellness, it's crucial for employees in Kazakhstan to utilize their annual entitlement of up to three days of social leave for preventive screenings, which cover a range of diseases including mental health issues.
- Apart from mandatory screenings for diseases like major cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and eye diseases, workers in Kazakhstan can also benefit from fitness-and-exercise and various therapies-and-treatments aimed at enhancing mental health, all of which are typically free of charge.
- In the wake of the Zhetysu region inspection, where over 90 workers were found to have skipped mandatory screenings for two years, there's a growing emphasis on prioritizing health-and-wellness and emphasizing the legal obligations of employers to facilitate screenings and provide the necessary social leave for their employees.
