A 32-year-old insured person under the ESI scheme is diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and requires prolonged certified absence from work. He has completed the qualifying conditions. Which benefit applies to him, and at what rate?
- A Extended sickness benefit at 80% of wages for up to 730 days ✓
- B Sickness benefit at 70% of wages for up to 91 days
- C Permanent partial disablement benefit at 90% of wages
- D Sickness benefit at 90% of wages for up to 180 days
Correct answer: A. Extended sickness benefit at 80% of wages for up to 730 days
Explanation
Tuberculosis is one of the specified long-term diseases (about 34 conditions including leprosy, cancer, mental illness and haemophilia) for which extended sickness benefit is payable at 80% of average daily wages for a maximum of 730 days, extendable in certain cases. Ordinary sickness benefit is only 70% of wages for 91 days in a benefit period, so option B fails both on rate and duration. Disablement benefit applies only to employment injury.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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