Esic Maternity Leave

is it strictly important that the leave of six week preceded the expected delivery date..i mean only 42 days not 45 days?

1. Dear member, under ESI Act, 1948 the maternity benefit can be claimed only for maximum period as available under said Act. The claimant, may therefore, discuss the issue with the Insurance Medical Officer of ESI Dispensary who will issue the appropriate certificate.
2. On the basis of certificate so issued, the Branch Office of ESIC will make payment for maximum period as will be admissible. Therefore, in order to find the correct answer of the issue raised, you may discuss the matter with the Branch Office of ESIC to which you are attached.

Sir, can we take prescription and leaves from any dispensary in same region whichever is near to the living place.