Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives is set to increase the retirement age of all health workers to 65 years, as part of measures to curtail medical tourism in the country.
To this end, A Bill For An Act To Make Provisions For The Retirement Age For Health Workers In Nigeria; And For Related Matters”, sponsored by Adewale Hammed yesterday scaled second reading in the Green Chamber.
Speaking in defence of the bill, the lawmaker informed that when passed into law, the Bill has the potential to revolutionise the healthcare sector, stressing that it seeks to make provisions for the compulsory retirement age and years of service for health workers across the country.
He, however, recalled when the Harmonised Retirement Age for Health Workers in Nigeria Bill, 2024 was read for the first time in the Chamber, adding that Bill 1577, which was first read on October 10, is among the legacy bills of the 10th House.
“Increasing the retirement age will retain experienced healthcare workers, allowing them to continue contributing their expertise to the sector, this is particularly important at this time that the healthcare delivery system faces significant challenges, especially a shortage of skilled professionals.
” Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently experiencing a significant depletion in both the number and quality of professionals due to two main factors. Firstly, a substantial number are migrating abroad in search of the proverbial golden fleece—a trend difficult to stop given the fundamental human rights of the individuals concerned. Secondly, the compulsory retirement age of 60 and the mandatory 35 years of service, as stipulated in the public service rules.”
Consequently, the House adopted the bill and also referred it to the Committee on Health Services for further legislative action.
