The Taraba state government has begun implementing the Federal Government's policy to extend the retirement age of eligible health professionals to 65 years or 40 years of service. Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, Head of the Civil Service of Taraba State, announced this at the 23rd North-East Zonal Meeting of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Jalingo. The policy, outlined in Federal Government Circular Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/227, aims to retain experienced health professionals in the workforce.
According to Dr. Kara, the state government has concluded consultations on the policy and agreed in principle to adopt it, pending Governor Agbu Kefas' assent to the relevant state legislation. The policy's implementation will commence immediately after the governor's assent and completion of the necessary legislative process. This move is expected to improve healthcare services in the state by retaining skilled professionals.
The Head of Service also revealed that discussions with the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on a proposed social insurance scheme for civil servants have reached an advanced stage. The scheme aims to provide financial and medical support to civil servants and their families, enhancing social protection and access to healthcare. The policy will benefit civil servants who cannot afford treatment, including those requiring treatment outside the country.
Under the proposed social insurance arrangement, the insurance scheme will provide educational support for up to six children of a deceased civil servant until they attain 17 years old. The specific benefits are part of the proposed arrangement currently being discussed between the state government and NSITF. This initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on civil servants and their families.
Comrade Peter Jediel, State Chairman of MHWUN and Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Taraba State Council, commended the North-East zonal leadership and stakeholders for their participation in the meeting. The meeting provided a platform for health workers and organised labour to discuss retirement policy, workers' welfare, social protection, and other public service issues.
The implementation of the 65-year retirement age policy and the proposed social insurance scheme are expected to improve the welfare of health workers and civil servants in Taraba State. These initiatives demonstrate the state government's commitment to enhancing the lives of its employees and providing quality healthcare services to its citizens.
The Taraba state government's adoption of the 65-year retirement age policy for health workers is a significant step towards retaining experienced professionals in the healthcare sector. With Governor Agbu Kefas' assent, the policy will be implemented, and the state will benefit from the expertise of its health workers. The proposed social insurance scheme will also provide a safety net for civil servants and their families.
Key points
- Taraba state government to adopt 65-year retirement age for health workers, awaiting Governor Agbu Kefas' assent.
- The policy aims to retain experienced health professionals in the workforce, improving healthcare services in the state.
- A proposed social insurance scheme for civil servants has been discussed, providing financial and medical support to employees and their families.
