III.15.2 Pre-appointment examination

 

​​​​10    Prospective staff members must undergo a medical examination at the place of recruitment before beginning any travel to take up an appointment with the Organization.

20    The object of this examination is to discover any medical condition which would disqualify a prospective staff member for employment by WHO before either they or the Organization has taken the final steps leading to their appointment. It is also intended to assure the Organization that the prospective staff member is fit for duty and that they may, if required, be assigned to any part of the world without endangering their health.

30    The Organization requests the prospective staff member to undertake a full physical examination and also to carry out various tests. Form SHW 1 acts as a guide to the physician in the making of their examination and are also used by them to notify its results to Staff Physician, Staff Health and Wellbeing (SHW) at headquarters or to the Regional Staff Physicians (RSPs) the delegated authority in Regions.

40    On receiving the report of the physician, Staff Physician, SHW at headquarters or their designee in Regions (RSP), determines whether the prospective staff member's standard of fitness is acceptable for service with the Organization and records their recommendation on the on-line system to permit the HR Administrator, GSC to undertake the appropriate administrative action in relation to the staff member's appointment.

50    Staff Physician, SHW/RSP may instead forward their recommendation in a written communication, which will be distributed in accordance with the provisions set out above. A copy of such written communication will be provided to the staff member.

60    Although only one medical examination giving satisfactory results is required before an offer of appointment may be made, the staff physician may request a further examination if they decide it is necessary.

70    The chart shown in III.20. Annex 15.B​ shows the procedures for requesting, receiving and retaining the medical examinations reports.

80    Temporary staff members holding a temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 are required to undergo a full medical examination if the appointment is for a period of more than 60 days. Form SHW1 must be completed by the staff member's examining physician. Reimbursement of the related costs will be made to the staff member on receipt of a claim up to the limits set out in eManual III.15.8. A Payment Request for Medical Examination (WHO 737) should be completed by the staff member. Reimbursement will be authorized by the Budget and Finance or Administrative focal point in the cluster Management Office (HQ), Regional Office, Country Office, or Partner Organization, as applicable. See the form for instructions and reimbursable amounts. 

90    For appointments of 60 days or less a Medical Certificate of Fitness for Work only is required. The reimbursement for this certificate is limited to USD 50 which is authorized for payment after the staff member reports for duty by the HR Administrator GSC.

100    If the examining physician has indicated that there are restrictions about the candidate's fitness to undertake the work proposed, or that the candidate is unfit, the medical report/medical certificate for fitness for work must be sent for comments to SHW for headquarters appointments or to the regional staff physician for regional appointments. A more detailed medical examination may then be required.