The Nigerian government has decided to offer contract appointments to doctors, nurses, and clinical healthcare workers once they reach their mandatory retirement age or service years. This decision reflects ongoing deliberations concerning the retirement age of healthcare professionals, including medical and dental consultants.
The directive, conveyed through an official circular dated October 5th, originates from the Federal Ministry of Health. It calls upon Chief Executive Agencies, Chief Medical Directors, Medical Directors, and the Heads of Regulatory Bodies and Schools to ensure strict compliance with a previous circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to all staff within their respective institutions.
This decision follows a previous circular dated August 30th from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). The circular, titled ‘Re: Review of retirement age to 65 and 70 years for health professionals and medical/dental consultants,’ expressed skepticism about increasing the retirement age for medical and dental consultants and other health professionals.
It cited multiple factors behind this skepticism, notably healthcare professionals leaving the country due to financial considerations and challenging working conditions. “Some state governments had already increased the retirement age of medical doctors and other health workers, and this has not addressed the spate of brain drain,” the circular noted.
The circular also voiced concerns about the work ethic of healthcare workers despite government efforts to incentivize them. Nevertheless, in a groundbreaking move, the circular endorsed the possibility of offering contract appointments to clinical healthcare workers who have reached their mandatory retirement age or years of service.
“These contract appointments would maintain the same salary scale level as their pre-retirement position, subject to the healthcare worker’s preference and qualifications,”
The circular further encourages the government to engage with pertinent organizations, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nigerian Medical Association, to secure commitments from medical doctors.
“It’s crucial that we work closely with these bodies to ensure a smooth transition,”
It also advocates for the establishment of an effective performance management system within the public service to enhance the work ethics of medical officers, consultants, and doctors.
“To address concerns regarding the attitude of healthcare workers towards their duties, there’s a need to institutionalize an effective performance management system in the public service.
“This will enhance the work ethics of medical officers, consultants, and medical doctors, urging them to exhibit more patriotism in the discharge of their duties and avoid actions that could disrupt the healthcare system.”