Delta Governor Oborevwori Raises Retirement Age for Health Workers

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved a policy extending the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in government hospitals from 60 to 65 years. The maximum length of service has also been increased from 35 to 40 years.

This decision was announced on Monday in Asaba, with the governor stating that it aims to address manpower shortages, retain experienced medical personnel, and enhance healthcare delivery in the state. The policy encompasses 26 categories of skilled clinical health professionals, including medical officers, nursing officers, pharmacists, and physiotherapists, among others.

However, it excludes those working in ministries and extra-ministerial departments. The approval followed requests from the Delta State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, which sought the adoption of this policy after it was approved at the federal level.

The governor expressed confidence that retaining experienced personnel would help maintain the quality of services in public hospitals.