In response to a letter bearing the caption `Denied injury benefit although on official duty” (SN March 10, 2010), please see the following response:
National Insurance Scheme sympathises with the writer and would like him/her to note that in denying this benefit NIS was simply adhering to the Laws of Guyana Chapter 36:0l.
Thus action by NIS should not be taken personally.
As was rightfully stated by the writer, “the mission of the National Insurance Scheme is to provide social security providing all the necessary requirements are fulfilled.”
Yes, that is a fact. However, the organisation is also obligated to do so within the framework of the law, failing which, Officers/ Managers can be held accountable for deviating.
As it relates to this specific case, the claim for Industrial Benefit was disallowed under Section 22 (v) (ii) of the NIS Act, Chapter 36:01 where it is stated, the writer though on duty, was not covered for the Industrial Benefit because he/she was travelling in public transportation and not his/her Company’s vehicle or a vehicle that was hired by his/her employer.
It must be noted that although the claimant was denied Industrial Benefit, NIS still provided coverage in the form of Sickness Benefit.
Additionally, the Scheme usually reimburses for physiotherapy, neck brace/collar once the use of such treatment/items were recommended by the claimant’s doctor.
Please feel free to contact the Publicity and Public Relations Unit should you require further clarity on this matter.
Yours faithfully,
National Insurance – Guyana
Dianne Lewis Baxter
Publicity and Public Relations Officer
