BY MORRIS ANFU

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is pressing ahead with plans to extend the retirement age for frontline health workers from 55 to 65, aiming to address a severe shortage in the sector.

This proposed extension of service comes amidst ongoing challenges in maintaining a robust health workforce.

MHMS Permanent Secretary, Paulin McNeil, appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) for the Public Service Bill 2025, explained that the move will allow the retention of seasoned professionals to guide younger staff.

She highlighted that nearly 40 percent of the current workforce is approaching retirement age, highlighting the urgency.

The proposal specifically targets clinical roles, including doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and other medical service providers, while sparing administrative positions.

“This is mainly for our health clinicians, doctors, and nurses—our labs, medical teams, and those directly involved in patient care.

“Admin roles are different; anyone can handle those, but we desperately need to bolster our clinical workforce,” McNeil said.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale countered that the matter could be addressed more flexibly through regulations rather than embedding it in the main Bill.

McNeil noted that the ministry currently has about 12 workers past 55 operating under fixed-term appointments (FTAs) nationwide, but stressed these falls far short of what’s needed.

On whether expanding FTAs might be a simpler alternative, she affirms the preference for raising the retirement age to 65 for health services.

“Of course, it could impact the budget and finances, but given our situation, it’s essential,” McNeil stressed.

The Public Service Bill 2025 is still being scrutinized and expected to conclude this week before making it’s way to parliament soon.

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