The Delta Government has clarified that the 65 years retirement age approved by the state for health workers is not automatic.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, gave the clarification while briefing newsmen in Asaba on Tuesday.
Recall that Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday approved extension of the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in state government owned hospitals from 60 to 65 years, and the length of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever came first.
The governor said the aim is to address manpower shortages in public hospitals, retain experienced medical personnel and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
Onojaeme said there were conditions for clinical workers seeking to benefit from the extension of retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
According to him, clinical workers must apply six months before attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 and also undergo medical fitness assessments.
He added that the extension is not automatic and would be granted only to eligible personnel, who satisfied the stipulated requirements.
Onojaeme said the application process and medical assessments were necessary to ensure that officers seeking to remain in service beyond 60 years were physically fit to discharge their duties.
He said several professional cadres in the health sector, including medical officers, nursing officers, pharmacists, dental officers, community health officers, assistant radiographers, speech therapists, dieticians, optometrists and relevant technical personnel would benefit from the new policy.
“The measure is expected to help the state retain experienced personnel, preserve institutional knowledge and address manpower challenges confronting the healthcare system,” he said.
The commissioner noted that it had become necessary for the government to explore measures that would encourage experienced workers to remain in service.
He stressed that the departure of skilled health professionals had placed pressure on healthcare delivery.
“The extension would provide an opportunity for qualified personnel to contribute their expertise for an additional five years, subject to the approved conditions,” he noted.
Speaking on Ebola, Onojaeme reassured residents that no case of the disease had been recorded in Delta.
He said the government has intensified preventive measures and is strengthening the capacity of health personnel to respond promptly to any suspected outbreak.
The commissioner further disclosed that health officers were undergoing training, while the government was procuring protective equipment to safeguard healthcare workers and improve emergency response.
He urged residents to remain calm and support public health efforts, stressing that the government is taking steps to protect the population against potential health threats.
Onojaeme said that the retirement policy and the measures to strengthen Ebola preparedness reflected the government’s commitment to improving the health system, retaining skilled personnel and protecting residents from public health emergencies.