RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMME (R. T. W.)

by PERKESO

SOCSO’s Return to Work (R.T.W.) programme is designed to help insured people suffering from work-related injury or invalidity to be rehabilitated as soon as possible in order for them to return to work. The Return to Work programme takes a proactive approach in helping the Insured Person with injuries or diseases, providing the opportunity to resume safe working activities as soon as is medically possible. The Insured Person may return to work when the primary goal of minimizing the impact of permanent injuries or disabilities has been achieved.

The Return to Work programme collaborates with medical professionals to give the most appropriate medical care to the Insured Person to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. The process is facilitated by a case manager who manages the rehabilitation plan with healthcare providers and the patient while promoting cost-effective care.

The implementation of an effective disability management system relies on the partnership between various stakeholders such as the employer, employee, health care providers, rehabilitation service providers, government agencies, non-government organizations, and various bodies.

Resources taken from www.perkeso.gov.my

“The Return To Work Programme is important for the opportunity to transform people and return their dignity for recovery from illness while at work and improving their independence and sense of worth”

Y.B. Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam
Minister of Human Resource

Return To Work FAQ

What is the Return To Work (RTW) Programme?

The RTW Programme was launched on the 15th of January 2007. It is a rehabilitation programme offered as one of the benefits of SOCSO for Insured Persons with injuries and diseases. The objective of the programme is to enable Insured Persons to return to work in a safe and fast manner.

What is the concept of the programme?

SOCSO has introduced the concept of the ‘Case Manager’, a person responsible for keeping track of the injury or disease and liaising with medical professionals, specialists, and employers and the patient to ensure the programme’s success. The case manager is assigned to an Injured Person and is responsible for identifying key issues related to the injury or disease that he or she is suffering from.

Who is eligible for the programme?

All SOCSO contributors under the following categories are eligible to apply for the programme with the condition that they fall into at least ONE of the following categories:

  • Insured Persons with any work-related injuries who are currently receiving the Temporary Disablement Benefit.
  • Insured Persons who are in the process of applying for Permanent Disablement Benefit who have been recommended for rehabilitation by any SOCSO Medical Board, Special Medical Board and Appellate Medical Board.
  • Insured Persons below 50 years of age who are applying for Invalidity Pension who have been recommended for rehabilitation by any SOCSO Medical Board, Special Medical Board and Appellate Medical Board.
  • Insured Persons who have been certified invalid but are below 40 years of age.

How does the return to work process take place?

The case management process starts when a case is referred to the assigned case manager. An initial assessment is conducted with the Insured Person to address key issues with the injury or disease. The case manager also acquires the consent of the Insured Person and confirms their intention to join the programme.

Following the initial assessment, a rehabilitation plan is designed together with the Insured Person with an overall goal in mind. The case manager’s duty is to ensure that the rehabilitation plan is carried out as planned within a set time frame. While the rehabilitation plan is in process, the case manager will also monitor and address any arising matters.

Ultimately, the case manager will ensure that the Return To Work goal of the Insured Person is achieved.

SOCSO Rehabilitation Providers

For the purposes of the Return To Work Programme, SOCSO has appointed the following various rehabilitation service providers:

  • Rehabilitation Department, General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur
  • Rehabilitation Department, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital, Seremban
  • Pain Management Clinic, Selayang Hospital
  • Rehabilitation Department, University Malaya Medical Centre
  • Optometric Rehabilitation Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital
  • DBC Spine and Rehabilitation Centre, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh
  • Sau Seng Lum Rehabilitation Centre, Puchong
  • Malaysian Blind Association, Malaysia
  • Hand and Microsurgery Department, Selayang Hospital
  • Hand and MIcrosurgery Department, Pantai Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
  • Comfort Clinic, Malacca
  • Penang Adventist Hospital, Pulau Pinang

Return To Work Hierarchy Of Needs

  1. Same Job, Same Employer
  2. Similar Job, Same Employer
  3. Different Job, Same Employer
  4. Same Job, Different Employer
  5. Similar Job, Different Employer
  6. Different Job, Different Employer
  7. Self-Employed