Why employers and schools request MCs
- To keep contagious illnesses from spreading in classrooms or offices.
- To document paid sick leave under the Employment Act.
- To ensure frequent illnesses are escalated for further evaluation.
Online medical certificates in Singapore.
Legitimate medical certificates (MCs) are issued by Singapore Medical Council (SMC) registered doctors after a proper consultation. This page explains how DigitalHealth.sg teleconsults work, what makes an MC valid, and when an in-clinic visit is safer.
Last reviewed by Digital Health Clinic: 29 Apr 2026.
What counts as a medical certificate?
An MC is a medicolegal document that certifies you are unfit for work, school, or physical activity. In Singapore, sick leave under MOM guidance requires certification by a medical practitioner registered under the Medical Registration Act or Dental Registration Act. DigitalHealth.sg MCs are issued only by SMC-registered doctors after independent clinical judgement and live two-way video assessment for first-time or diagnostic teleconsults. There is no such thing as a “guaranteed MC” or the ability to buy one legitimately.
When doctors say no
Doctors cannot issue MCs without first assessing you. Requests to backdate MCs, supply rest days “just in case”, or create documentation without symptoms go against the SMC Ethical Code and will be declined.
How can I arrange a teleconsult today?
- Register and verify. Sign in with Singpass MyInfo or complete a quick intake so we can confirm your identity and medical history.
- Video consultation. Describe your symptoms, onset, and any relevant clinical history. The doctor may request vitals or photos where safe.
- Clinical decision. If you are unfit for duty, the doctor issues a DigiMC (usually 1–2 days) and explains red-flag symptoms that need escalation.
- Follow-up. MCs (where appropriate) and invoices are emailed after the consult.
Are MCs issued by DigitalHealth.sg valid?
Every DigiMC is generated through mc.gov.sg and contains:
- A unique serial number and QR code that HR teams can verify.
- Date of issue, duration of leave, and any light-duty instructions.
- The doctor’s full name and Medical Council Registration (MCR) number.
- Your name and identification number as submitted during registration.
Employers with questions can email hello@digitalhealth.sg for verification support. Altering or fabricating MCs is an offence under Singapore law, so keep your certificate intact.
How many days of rest will I receive?
Teleconsult MCs focus on short rest periods (1–2 days) so doctors can reassess if symptoms persist. Recurrent illness or significant findings may trigger a referral for in-person review.
| Condition | Expected recovery window | When to seek urgent care |
|---|---|---|
| Fever, cough, sore throat | 1–3 days. Symptoms usually improve with rest and fluids. | Seek in-person care if fever persists beyond 3–4 days, breathing worsens, or chest pain appears. |
| Diarrhoea & vomiting | 1–2 days. Most cases resolve within 24–48 hours. | See a doctor if there is blood in stools, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms last more than 3 days. |
| Migraine or tension headache | Often settles within a day with rest, hydration, and pain relief. | Arrange urgent review for thunderclap pain, neurological changes, or headaches triggered by exertion. |
| Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease | 7–10 days. You may feel better after a couple of days but remain infectious. | Head to the emergency department for persistent high fever, dehydration, or neurological symptoms. |
| Gout flare | 1–2 days with anti-inflammatories and hydration. | Discuss long-term control if you experience two or more attacks a year or pain does not improve. |
When teleconsults aren’t suitable
- Chest pain, palpitations with fainting, or shortness of breath
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Blood in urine, black stools, or melaena
- Coughing blood, vomiting blood, uncontrolled bleeding
- Sudden severe headaches, trauma, neurological changes
- Infants, frail seniors, anyone with rapidly worsening symptoms
- Pregnancy-related complications
- High fever for more than 3 days, or fever with confusion, stiff neck, breathlessness, dehydration, or rash
If in doubt, head to the nearest clinic or emergency department immediately.
Can I buy an MC?
No. MCs are not for sale. Attempting to purchase or alter a certificate is considered forgery. Doctors will only issue MCs after a consultation and a documented clinical assessment. Taking repeated MCs may signal an unresolved condition — we will review your history, recommend further tests, or arrange an in-clinic review if the pattern suggests something more serious.
Quick answers
How fast will I receive my DigiMC?
Medical certificates are sent shortly after payment is made. Check your email inbox and spam folders, then WhatsApp the care team if you run into any issues.
Can I get a light-duty note?
Yes. If the doctor deems you fit for partial duties, they can document light-duty or excuse-from-PE instructions in the medical certificate.
What if my employer refuses my MC?
Medical certificates are issued after clinical assessment. If there is a dispute, your employer can verify the certificate details and refer to MOM sick-leave guidance where Employment Act eligibility applies.
Can I buy an MC online in Singapore?
No. MCs are not for sale. SMC-registered doctors can issue medical certificates only after a proper consultation and documented clinical assessment.
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