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Tengrinews.kz – Working citizens in Kazakhstan are legally entitled to up to three days of paid social leave each year to undergo mandatory medical screenings, prosecutors in Zhetysu Region have reminded.
According to the country’s Labor Code, employees may take time off for preventive checkups without losing their jobs or salaries. However, a recent audit by Karatal District prosecutors revealed that over 90 employees had not undergone mandatory screenings in the past two years, nor had they received the social leave they were entitled to.
The inspection also found that 70 employees were not covered by the required occupational accident insurance. As a result, three employers were held administratively liable, and workers’ rights were restored.
How the leave is granted
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has clarified that employees do not need to provide medical documentation to receive this type of leave. A written request from the employee is sufficient, unless they choose to submit supporting documents voluntarily, in which case personal data protection laws apply.
Who must undergo screenings
Under Article 80 of the Code “On Public Health and Healthcare,” all Kazakh citizens are required to participate in periodic medical screenings. These checkups aim to detect diseases at early stages, identify risk factors, and promote preventive care.
The Ministry of Labor notes that the target population groups, frequency, and scope of screenings are determined by the relevant healthcare authority.
For instance, citizens in certain age groups are subject to three types of cancer screenings:
- Breast cancer – women aged 40–70, once every 2 years
- Cervical cancer – women aged 30–70, once every 4 years
- Colorectal cancer – men and women aged 50–70, once every 2 years
- Other screenings include checks for cardiovascular diseases (such as hypertension and coronary heart disease), diabetes, glaucoma, and hepatitis B and C in at-risk populations.
To undergo a screening, individuals must visit their local clinic, where screening rooms are available. A national ID card is required.
If an employer denies social leave for screenings, the employee has the right to file a complaint with the regional labor inspectorate, the Ministry of Labor confirmed.
