Cross River increases retirement age for health workers

The Cross River State Government has decided to raise the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years. It can also be 40 years of pensionable service.

Governor Bassey Otu approved this change. The news was shared in a circular from the Head of Service, Orok Okon. Reporters received this information in Calabar on Tuesday.

Mr Okon said this decision aims to keep experienced health workers and improve healthcare services. It also addresses the shortage of skilled workers in the state’s health sector.

The new policy only applies to frontline health workers. This includes those working in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities in the state.

“The circular does not include health workers in administrative roles. It keeps the current retirement rules for other public servants,” Mr Okon said.

He added that the Commissioner will check and recommend eligible state health workers for retirement. This will happen after verifying their eligibility and fitness for service.

The Head of Service mentioned that the Director-General of the Cross River Primary Health Care Development Agency will also recommend local government health workers who qualify.

He instructed the Accountant-General to ensure that only approved officers stay on the government payroll with the new retirement plan.

Mr Okon confirmed that other public servants will still retire at 60 years or after 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.

This new policy will start on 1 August. It aims to strengthen the health workforce by keeping experienced professionals.

The Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, reacted positively. He called the approval a “historic milestone” for health services in the state.

Mr Ayuk thanked the governor for caring about workers’ welfare and healthcare reforms. He believes this policy will enhance service delivery and build on the existing successes in the health sector.