In a move aimed at addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, the Federal Government has granted approval for the appointment of doctors, nurses, and other clinical healthcare workers as contract staff after they reach their compulsory retirement age or years of service.
According to a circular dated October 5, 2023, issued by the Federal Ministry of Health, these contract staff will have the option to retain the same salary scale level they held at the time of retirement, provided they meet the criteria.
This decision comes in response to the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare sector, including the mass emigration of health professionals due to better prospects abroad and unfavorable working conditions at home.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) had previously rejected a proposal to raise the retirement age for Medical/Dental Consultants and other health professionals from 60 to 70 and 75, respectively. The OHCSF cited the following reasons for its decision:
- Health professionals leaving the country due to financial incentives and unfavorable working conditions rather than retirement age.
- Some state governments had already increased the retirement age for medical doctors and other health workers, but this did not stem the brain drain.
- Dissatisfaction with the work ethic of health workers, despite government efforts to incentivize them.
In light of these challenges, the OHCSF proposed a new approach. While rejecting the age increase, it approved the appointment of clinical health workers who have reached their compulsory retirement age/years on a contract basis, offering them the same salary scale level as when they retired, if they meet the necessary criteria.
To further address the dissatisfaction with the work ethic of health workers, the OHCSF suggested the implementation of an effective performance management system within the public service. It also called upon medical doctors to display more patriotism in their duties and avoid holding the healthcare system hostage.
The Federal Ministry of Health has now issued a directive to all Chief Executive Agencies, Chief Medical Directors, Medical Directors, and Heads of Regulatory Bodies and Schools, urging strict compliance with the OHCSF’s directive.
This move is expected to provide a solution to the shortage of healthcare workers in Nigeria and improve the overall quality of healthcare services in the country. It remains to be seen how healthcare professionals and institutions will respond to this new policy.