Will Kerala's Private Hospitals Adopt a Uniform Shift System?
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Synopsis
In a landmark move, the Kerala government has mandated all private hospitals to implement a uniform 6-6-12 shift system for healthcare employees. This decision, aimed at enhancing working conditions and standardising hours, marks a significant step forward in the state's healthcare sector. Learn how this change will impact thousands of nurses and the overall healthcare framework.
Key Takeaways
- Uniform shift regulations are now mandatory across all private hospitals in Kerala.
- The 6-6-12 shift system aims to standardise working hours for healthcare employees.
- Overtime compensation is required for hours worked beyond the prescribed shifts.
- This change addresses long-standing issues of irregular schedules in smaller hospitals.
- Compliance will be monitored by Labour inspectors to ensure adherence.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Kerala government has mandated that all private hospitals, irrespective of their bed capacity, adopt the 6-6-12 shift system for nurses and other staff. This initiative aims to create a standardised framework for working hours throughout the state's healthcare sector.
The Labour Department's directive broadens the previous regulation, which applied only to hospitals with 100 or more beds, making it applicable to all private healthcare institutions.
This new guideline aligns the duty schedules in private hospitals with those currently employed in the government sector, where the 6-6-12 system is already established.
The shift format consists of two six-hour day shifts and one 12-hour night shift.
Furthermore, the directive mandates that employees who are required to work beyond the designated hours must receive overtime compensation, thus placing private facilities under the same regulatory umbrella as public hospitals.
This decision comes in response to persistent requests from nursing unions and staff associations, which have pointed out the irregular schedules and overwhelming workloads in smaller private hospitals.
Labour officials have stated that this order aims to guarantee equitable working conditions and safeguard healthcare workers from exploitation.
Kerala is home to over 3,000 private hospitals employing thousands of nurses, the majority of whom are women.
Industry analysts suggest that this directive could substantially affect staffing models and labour expenditures, particularly in small to mid-sized facilities that have relied on more flexible scheduling.
A knowledgeable source within the nursing sector informed IANS that the 6-6-12 shift is already operational in the government sector and this new regulation will benefit approximately 70 percent of the nursing workforce in the state, as they are employed in the private sector.
"Currently, this shift pattern is already being utilized in some private hospitals, and with this new order, it will now be applicable to all those who do not currently benefit from this shift structure," said the anonymous source.
Labour inspectors have been instructed to oversee compliance and enforce measures against hospitals that do not adhere to the new rule.
"The establishment of uniform shift regulations is vital to safeguarding labour rights and ensuring high-quality patient care," a senior official remarked.
This order is anticipated to take immediate effect, representing a significant advancement towards uniform labour standards within Kerala's healthcare landscape.
Point of View
It is imperative to view the Kerala government's new shift regulation through an impartial lens. This measure aligns the private healthcare sector with public standards, addressing long-standing issues of irregular working hours and employee exploitation. The commitment to uniformity in shift patterns signifies a progressive move towards safeguarding healthcare workers' rights, ultimately enhancing patient care quality. Such policies are crucial in establishing a balanced and ethical healthcare environment.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 6-6-12 shift system?
The 6-6-12 shift system divides work hours into two six-hour day shifts and one 12-hour night shift, aimed at standardising working hours for healthcare employees.
Who does the new directive apply to?
The new directive applies to all private hospitals in Kerala, regardless of their bed capacity, making it inclusive for institutions of all sizes.
What are the benefits of this shift system?
The benefits include standardised working hours, fair compensation for overtime, and improved working conditions for healthcare staff, which can lead to better patient care.
How will compliance be monitored?
Labour inspectors have been directed to oversee compliance and take action against hospitals that fail to implement the new shift regulations.
What is the expected impact on staffing models?
The order is expected to significantly impact staffing models and labour costs, particularly in smaller institutions that previously relied on flexible scheduling.
