Kerala's New Unified Shift System Revolutionizes Private Hospital Work Hours

The Kerala government has implemented a unified shift system for all private hospital employees, including nurses, irrespective of the number of beds. This decision, effective from October 18, aims to standardize work hours and provide overtime benefits. The order also mandates restroom facilities for employees without transport.

In a significant move, the Kerala government has mandated a unified shift system for all employees in private hospitals across the state, regardless of the number of beds. Released by the Department of Employment and Skills, this order aims to alleviate the workload of countless workers in the private health sector.

The order, dated October 18, amends previous provisions that allowed a three-shift system only for hospitals with more than 100 beds. This regulation harmonizes work hours, ensuring every staff member, including nurses, benefits from a consistent shift arrangement.

Recommendations by the Veerakamar Committee and the Private Hospital Industry Liaison Committee in 2021 had earlier pushed for a similar system, ensuring a structured 6/6/12 hour shift and an overtime allowance for any excess work. Furthermore, the order underscores the importance of providing restroom facilities for employees lacking transport options.