DELTA, Nigeria – The Delta State Government has raised the retirement age for eligible clinical health professionals in government hospitals from 60 to 65 years or extended their maximum years of service from 35 to 40, whichever comes first.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved the policy to retain experienced healthcare workers, address staffing shortages and improve service delivery in state-owned hospitals.
The policy covers 26 categories of clinical professionals 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 eligible categories include dieticians, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians, X-ray technicians, dental technologists and dental therapists.
The approval followed appeals by the Delta State councils of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and the Nigerian Medical Association, which sought the adoption of the policy following its approval at the federal level.
Under the implementation guidelines, eligible employees must apply through their respective Chief Medical Directors six months before reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service.
Applicants must also provide a medical fitness certificate. Applications will be forwarded to the State Ministry of Health for screening and approval by the Commissioner for Health.
However, the extension does not apply to clinical health professionals working in ministries and extra-ministerial departments. It is restricted to eligible personnel actively engaged in clinical practice in government hospitals.
The policy takes effect from the date of the governor’s approval, subject to the prescribed application and approval procedures.
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