The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has amended its regulations to provide Government employees with more time to care for loved ones facing serious health challenges.

With the amended regulation, civil servants may now take up to 30 days of paid “special medical needs leave” each year to accompany or care for a spouse, child, sibling, or anyone in their legal custody who requires long-term treatment for a chronic or terminal illness. The provision also covers cases in which the employee donates bone marrow or an organ to the patient.

Applicants must submit a certified medical report specifying the illness and expected duration of treatment. During this leave, employees will continue to receive their basic and rank salaries.

Civil servants coping with their own chronic or terminal illness are also eligible under the regulation. Those who need additional time for personal treatment or surgery, such as organ donation, can request an extension beyond the standard 60 days if supported by medical documentation.

All applications will be processed through CSC, which oversees implementation of the new regulation.

The amendment is expected to ease the financial and emotional strain on families facing serious health issues, ensuring public employees need not choose between their livelihood and caring for loved ones.