The Delta State Government has said health workers seeking to retire at 65 under its newly approved policy must apply six months before reaching the statutory retirement age of 60 and pass medical fitness assessments.
Joseph Onojaeme, the state commissioner for health, gave the clarification while briefing journalists in Asaba on Tuesday, stressing that the extension was not automatic.
The clarification follows Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s approval on Monday to extend the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in state-owned hospitals from 60 to 65 years and their length of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
Onojaeme said only eligible personnel who met the stipulated requirements would be granted the extension.
He explained that the application process and medical assessments were necessary to ensure that officers seeking to remain in service beyond 60 were physically fit to continue discharging their duties.
The policy covers 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.
According to the commissioner, the extension is intended to help the state retain experienced health workers, preserve institutional knowledge and address manpower shortages in public hospitals.
He said the departure of skilled professionals had placed pressure on healthcare delivery, making it necessary for the government to introduce measures that would encourage experienced personnel to remain in service.
“The extension would provide an opportunity for qualified personnel to contribute their expertise for an additional five years, subject to the approved conditions,” he said.
The governor had said the policy was aimed at retaining experienced medical personnel and strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
Meanwhile, Onojaeme reassured residents that no case of Ebola had been recorded in Delta State.
He said the government had intensified preventive measures and was strengthening the capacity of health personnel to respond promptly to any suspected outbreak.
The commissioner 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, adding that the government was taking steps to protect the population against potential health threats.
Onojaeme said the retirement policy and measures to strengthen Ebola preparedness reflected the government’s commitment to retaining skilled health personnel and improving the state’s healthcare system.
