The applicability of labour laws/ rules to a particular establishment is a matter of relationship. In Kerala, certain rules are made applicable to hospitals which are considered as non profit organisations whereas in many occasions ruling in favour of employees have also been made with the intervention of labour department. Though Factories Act, Standing Order Act, Industrial Disputes Act and similar Acts which are meant for factories and commercial establishments are not applicable, Employees Provident Fund, Winimum Wages, Payment of Wages Act, Workmen's Compansation Act etc are generally applied in private hopitals also. Recently Employees State Insurance Act has been made applicable to provate hospitals. Similarly employees of hospitals while leaving service after 5 years are eligible for Gratuity. Rules relating to maternity benefits are also applicable to private hospitals. Though there is no specefic exemption and or applicability given in various Acts (majority of labour Acts were originally meant for factories and commercial establishments), I do beleive that such Acts will find applicability in Private hospitals also. I hope those who are in the same department or consultants having departmental experience like Mr.P C Vijayarajan, Kannur will be able to give us more details. Regards, Madhu.T.K