By Leonard Okachie
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia chapter, has urged the state government to fast-track implementation of the extended retirement age for human health workers to address workforce shortages.
NMA Chairman, Dr Ezinwa Ezuruike, made the appeal in Umuahia on Monday during a press briefing to announce activities lined up for the 2025 Physicians’ Week.
Ezuruike commended Gov. Alex Otti for initiating the policy but noted that actual implementation remained a major challenge in spite of approval and documentation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Aug. 12, 2024, the governor approved the extension of retirement age to 65 years for health professionals and 70 years or 40 years of service for medical consultants.
“The policy aims to tackle the shortage of skilled health workers in Abia State and improve citizens’ access to quality healthcare services.”
Ezuruike acknowledged that although the circular on the policy had been issued, its execution remained stalled due to bureaucratic delays and involvement of multiple committees.
He explained that once a worker reached retirement age, the system deactivated them automatically, forcing a lengthy re-engagement process under the new policy terms.
The NMA called for a seamless, technology-driven implementation process that would avoid unnecessary human involvement and delays in re-integrating eligible personnel.
Ezuruike also advocated a shift from fragmented health financing to strategic investments, calling for traceable spending tied to outcomes, and ring-fenced budgets for primary healthcare delivery.
“Every naira must be traceable, purposeful, and linked to patient outcomes. Ring-fenced budgets, performance-based funding, and transparent governance are non-negotiable,” he emphasised.
He commended the government’s introduction of the Abia State Health Workers Salary Scale but urged merit-based recruitment in the ongoing hiring of 771 new health personnel.
The NMA chairman also lauded ongoing renovations of primary health centres but encouraged the state to improve referral systems, supply chains, and adopt digital health tools and quality assurance practices.
He outlined activities for the 2025 Physicians’ Week, including an opening ceremony on Tuesday, scientific sessions, Young Doctors’ Day, charity outreach, thanksgiving, and more.
The theme for 2025 Physicians’ Week: “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient.”(NAN)
