FG Approves Contract Engagement of Retired Health Workers

In a move aimed at bolstering healthcare services in Nigeria, the Federal Government has given its nod for the engagement of retired health workers on a contract basis.

This initiative includes medical doctors, nurses, and clinical healthcare professionals and aims to harness their expertise and experience to address workforce challenges in the healthcare sector.

According to a circular issued on October 5, 2023, the government has mandated that the salaries of these re-engaged retired health personnel will be on par with what they were earning prior to their retirement.

This move is expected to not only help bridge the healthcare personnel gap but also improve the quality of healthcare services provided in the country.

The circular, directed at Chief Executive Agencies, Chief Medical Directors, Medical Directors, and Heads of Regulatory Bodies and Schools, emphasizes compliance with a previous circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to all staff in their respective institutions.

The OHCSF had recently rejected a proposal to increase the retirement age for Medical/Dental Consultants and other health professionals from 60 to 70 and 75, respectively. The rejection was based on several factors, including the need to address the healthcare sector’s workforce challenges beyond retirement age and the exodus of health professionals due to unfavorable working conditions.

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However, the OHCSF’s decision allows for the contract engagement of clinical health workers who have reached the compulsory retirement age/years. These individuals will receive contracts at the same salary scale they were entitled to before retirement. To ensure the success of this initiative, the government will engage with relevant medical bodies to secure commitments from medical doctors.

Furthermore, the government plans to implement an effective performance management system in the public service to enhance the work ethics of medical professionals and encourage a sense of patriotism in discharging their duties.

This move signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the healthcare sector’s challenges and leveraging the wealth of experience and skills possessed by retired health workers to improve healthcare services for Nigerians.