What Details Must Be Included in a Valid Medical Certificate?

What details must be included in a valid medical certificate is an important query for anyone worrying about submitting one for leave or other official purposes. A medical certificate is an official document issued by a practising doctor. It serves as a legal document and explains the medical condition of the person concerned. It may be used while applying for leave when someone is absent or needs to be excused. Various organisations also demand it from applicants to verify if they are fit for employment.

However, not all medical certificates are accepted by the authorities. A valid medical certificate must contain essential details such as the patient’s name, the physician’s name, the date of examination, the date of issuance, etc. Any crucial data missing in it may result in rejection. In this article, you can find a checklist of all the critical details that must be included in a valid medical certificate.

Also Read : Medical Certificate Formats for Students

Details Mentioned in a Valid Medical Certificate

Here are the key particulars mentioned in a valid medical certificate. Make sure to check if your medical certificate includes all the pointers below so that you are sure about its authenticity.

1. Full Name of the Patient

It should cite the full name of the patient, their complete address, along with their age and date of birth. In addition, many employers or the institution requesting the said document also insist on the signature or thumb impression of the person.

2. Day and Date of Absence/ Issuance of the Medical Certificate

A legitimate medical certificate must indicate the day or date on which the person was absent or unwell, along with the date when the certificate was issued.

3. Details of the Medical Condition

Based on the examination, the doctor must add details of the health condition of the patient. It should state in simple language what the illness is.

4. Notes from the Doctor

Besides citing the illness, the physician may highlight any extra information like “rest advised”, “avoid heavy work”, etc.

5. Date of Examination

The physician must specify when the patient was examined. This is often the same day as the issuance.

6. Doctor’s Full Name, Address, Registration Number, Qualification

The medical certificate should have the full name of the doctor, their address, medical qualification like MBBS, MD, etc, their registration number from the Medical Council, their signature, plus an official stamp.

7. Hospital’s Name and Address

The name and the address of the hospital or clinic where the doctor practises must be clearly stated.

8. Clear Letterhead

A genuine medical certificate must be printed on the official letterhead of the doctor or the hospital. This adds credibility to the document.

9. Expected Recovery Date

It should point out how long the patient may need for recovery or when he is expected to resume duty.

10. Purpose of Certificate

The medical certificate should clearly highlight the purpose for which it is being issued (such as for sick leave, fitness, etc). It should also be addressed to the specific authority, such as the Principal of the School or the Manager of the company.

Medical Certificate Form Download PDFs

Here are some sample medical certificate formats available for download as PDFs.

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A proper medical certificate must have the required basics to be approved. By knowing what details are key, you can be certain about its legitimacy.