The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State chapter, has urged the state government to immediately implement the newly approved 65-year retirement age for health workers, warning that bureaucratic delays are worsening staff shortages in the health sector.
The appeal was made by Dr. Ezinwa Ezuruike, the NMA Chairman, during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday to announce activities marking the 2025 Physicians’ Week. He commended Governor Alex Ottifor approving the policy but expressed concern that many eligible workers were yet to benefit due to administrative bottlenecks.
Governor Otti had, on 12 August 2024, approved an extension of the retirement age to 65 years for health professionals and 70 years or 40 years of service for medical consultants. According to Ezuruike, the policy aims to retain experienced personnel and improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
“The circular has been issued, but actual implementation is being delayed due to administrative procedures and the involvement of several committees,” Ezuruike explained. He noted that many workers who had reached the previous retirement age were automatically disengaged, making their re-engagement process long and cumbersome.
He therefore urged the government to adopt a technology-driven system to eliminate excessive human interference and accelerate the reactivation of affected staff.
While commending the state for introducing the Abia State Health Workers Salary Scale, the NMA chairman also called for transparency and merit-based selection in the ongoing recruitment of 771 new health personnel.
Ezuruike stressed that full implementation of the retirement extension policy would not only strengthen the state’s healthcare system but also ensure that citizens continue to receive quality medical servicesfrom experienced professionals.
