Kerala Govt Proposes Salary Hike for Nurses, Private Hospital Staff

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government has issued a draft notification proposing revised wages for nurses and other employees working in private hospitals across the state.

According to the draft, the minimum salary of staff nurses will increase to ₹25,450–₹30,800, compared with the ₹20,000–₹24,200 range fixed under the 2018 wage notification. Once the final notification is issued, the revised salary structure will come into effect retrospectively from October 1, 2022.

The proposed revision will benefit thousands of employees in the private healthcare sector, including nurses, paramedical staff and administrative workers. In addition to the revised basic salary, the draft also proposes special allowances based on the size of hospitals, particularly the number of beds.

Under the proposal, nurses and healthcare workers in large hospitals with more than 801 beds will be eligible for an additional allowance of up to 50% of the basic salary.

The wage system categorises hospitals based on their bed strength and number of employees. The notification also clarifies that employees currently receiving salaries higher than those specified in the revised pay scales will continue to receive the higher wages.

The government has invited objections and suggestions within two months before issuing the final order.

Proposed Pay Scales

Nurse Manager / Nurse Director / Nurse Officer (MSc with 5 years’ experience or BSc with 10 years): ₹27,330 – ₹33,080

Nursing Superintendent / Matron (BSc with 5 years’ experience or BSc/GNM with 10 years): ₹27,170 – ₹32,870

Assistant / Deputy Nursing Superintendent (BSc with 5 years or GNM with 10 years): ₹26,770 – ₹32,320

Head Nurse / Clinical Supervisor / Sister-in-Charge / Group Leader: ₹26,690 – ₹32,290

Tutor Nurse / Clinical Instructor / EMT / Ambulance Staff: ₹25,930 – ₹31,380

Staff Nurse (GNM / BSc) / Registered ANM Special Grade / EMT / Ambulance Nurse (10 years’ experience): ₹25,450 – ₹30,800

ANM Grade I (5 years’ experience): ₹24,650 – ₹29,850

ANM Grade II: ₹24,290 – ₹29,390

Officials said the proposed revision aims to improve wages and working conditions for healthcare professionals in the private hospital sector.