Delta Govt Raises Retirement Age for Health Workers to 65 Years

The Delta State Government has approved the extension of the retirement age for skilled clinical health professionals in state-owned hospitals from 60 to 65 years.

Under the new directive granted by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the mandatory length of service has also been extended from 35 to 40 years, whichever milestone comes first. The policy covers 26 specific cadres of skilled clinical health professionals actively engaged in direct healthcare services across government hospitals in Delta State.

State authorities explained that the decision is aimed at tackling critical manpower shortages, curbing brain drain, retaining experienced medical personnel, and strengthening healthcare delivery throughout the state.

To benefit from the policy, eligible officers serving in government hospitals must submit formal applications through their respective Chief Medical Directors six months before attaining 60 years of age or reaching 35 years of service. Approval remains subject to a satisfactory medical fitness evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Health.

The state government clarified that the extension applies exclusively to clinical health professionals providing direct patient care in public hospitals, explicitly excluding administrative personnel serving in civil service ministries and extra-ministerial departments.