Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Department has recommended that all hospitals implement a three-shift system for nurses, citing limited vehicle facilities in rural areas.
Under the proposal, the night shift would run from 6pm to 6am, while the day shift would be eight hours long. Working hours are also recommended to be fixed at 48 hours per week.
The recommendations are based on the report of the Assembly Committee on Youth Welfare and Youth Affairs.
Key proposals include:
- Overtime exceeding three hours in a day should be compensated with overtime pay or compensatory leave.
- Nurses over the age of 50 should be exempt from night shifts.
- Hospitals should provide transport or hostel facilities for nurses.
- Employees protesting for legitimate demands should not face vindictive treatment.
- Legitimate demands should not be denied.
- Action will be taken against hospitals that fail to comply with the government's directive.