The Delta State Government has raised the retirement age for skilled clinical health workers in government hospitals from 60 to 65 years, allowing them to serve for up to 40 years instead of 35, subject to whichever limit comes first.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved the policy in Asaba on Monday to help address manpower shortages and retain experienced personnel in the state’s public hospitals.
The extension covers 26 categories of clinical health workers actively involved in patient care, including medical officers, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, optometrists, psychologists, dental officers, community health officers and audiologists.
Other beneficiaries include dieticians, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians, X-ray technicians, dental technologists and dental therapists, among other eligible professionals.
The approval followed appeals by the Delta State chapters of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and the Nigerian Medical Association, which sought the adoption of the policy after its approval at the federal level.
Under the implementation guidelines, eligible health workers who wish to benefit must apply through their respective chief medical directors six months before reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years in service.
Applicants must also present a medical certificate confirming their fitness to continue working.
The chief medical directors are expected to forward applications to the state Ministry of Health for screening and approval by the Commissioner for Health.
However, the extension does not cover clinical health professionals working in ministries and extra-ministerial departments. It is restricted to eligible personnel actively providing clinical services in government hospitals.
The policy takes effect from the date of the governor’s approval, subject to the prescribed application, screening and approval procedures.
