The Delta State Government has raised the retirement age for clinical health workers from 60 to 65 years, but says eligible personnel must apply six months before reaching retirement age and pass medical fitness assessments to benefit from the extension.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this on Tuesday in Asaba, stressing that the policy was not automatic and would apply only to qualified personnel who met the stipulated conditions.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had earlier approved the extension as part of efforts to retain experienced healthcare professionals, strengthen service delivery and address the growing shortage of skilled personnel in the state’s health sector.
Onojaeme explained that the application deadline and medical assessments were designed to ensure that officers seeking to remain in service beyond 60 years were physically fit to continue performing their duties effectively.
He said the policy covered several professional categories 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.
According to the commissioner, the extension would enable the state to retain experienced professionals, preserve institutional knowledge and ease manpower shortages confronting healthcare delivery.
He noted that the migration of skilled health workers abroad had placed increasing pressure on the healthcare system, making it necessary for the government to introduce measures that would encourage experienced personnel to remain in service.
Onojaeme said the additional five years would allow qualified health workers to continue contributing their expertise, subject to compliance with the approved requirements.
Delta Strengthens Ebola Preparedness
The commissioner also reassured residents that no case of Ebola had been recorded in Delta State, while urging the public to remain calm as the government intensified preventive measures against potential outbreaks.
He disclosed that the state was strengthening the capacity of healthcare personnel to respond promptly to suspected cases, with health workers undergoing training and protective equipment being procured to safeguard frontline personnel.
Onojaeme urged residents to support public health initiatives, emphasising that the government was taking proactive steps to protect the population against emerging health threats.
He said the extension of the retirement age and the measures to strengthen Ebola preparedness reflected the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to retaining skilled health professionals, improving healthcare delivery and protecting residents from public health emergencies.
