By Clara Egbogota
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has approved an extension of the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in government hospitals from 60 to 65 years.
The policy also extends the maximum length of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.
Oborevwori announced the development on Monday in Asaba.
He said the initiative was aimed at addressing manpower shortages, retaining experienced medical personnel and strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
The governor also said the policy covered 26 categories of skilled clinical health professionals actively engaged in clinical services in government hospitals.
According to him, they include medical officers, nursing officers, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers, optometrists, psychologists, dental officers, community health officers and audiologists.
Others he said were dieticians, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacy technicians, X-ray technicians, dental technologists, dental therapists, prosthetic and orthoptist, among others.
Oborevwori said the extension followed appeals by the Delta Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association.
“The associations have sought the adoption of the policy in Delta following its approval at the federal level,” he said.
The governor explained that eligible officers seeking the extension must apply through their respective chief medical directors six months before attaining 60 years of age or completing 35 years in service.
“Applicants are also required to present medical certificates of fitness, while chief medical directors are expected to forward applications to the Ministry of Health for screening and approval by the commissioner,” he added.
Oborevwori clarified that the policy does not cover skilled clinical health professionals serving in ministries and extra-ministerial departments.
He said the extension was specifically designed for personnel actively engaged in clinical practice in government hospitals.
He expressed confidence that retaining experienced and medically fit personnel would help preserve professional expertise and institutional knowledge within the state’s public hospital system.
The governor added that the policy took effect from the date of approval, subject to the prescribed application, screening and approval procedures.(NAN)
Edited by Desmond Ejibas/Deborah Coker
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