The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to retain healthcare workers in their roles for a longer period amid ongoing
In an effort to curb the persisting brain-drain challenges facing the healthcare sector, the House of Representatives have passed a Bill seeking to raise the retirement age of healthcare workers in the country.
Sponsored by Wale Hammed (APC, Lagos), The Bill which was sponsored by Wale Hammed, APC, Lagos, proposes to increase the retirement age for healthcare professionals from 60 to 65. It also seek to extend the maximum years of service from 35 to 40, depending on which milestone is reached first.
The Bill scaled second reading on Thursday following a debate on its general principles.
Leading the debate, Hammed said the healthcare sector is grappling with a mass migration of workers and the retirement of experienced personnel.
He noted that, while the Government cannot prevent workers from moving overseas, it can retain the experienced hands.
He said, “What we refer to as the ‘japa syndrome’ affects the healthcare sector the most. Staff and personnel in the healthcare sector are being depleted. The second factor is retirement through the public sector rules.
“We cannot stop ‘japa’ because of fundamental human rights. This Bill seeks to extend healthcare personnel service years from 60 to 65 years. And from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.”
Opposing the Bill, Mark Essiet (PDP, Akwa Ibom) argued that thousands of unemployed healthcare workers needed jobs. He, therefore, maintained that the extension of the stay of those in service could deny the unemployed the opportunity to work.
Essiet cited the example of a recent job advert by a Federal Medical Centre (FMC), where one million applicants applied for just 100 available roles.
He said, “I want to oppose the idea and the reasons given for it. Two weeks ago, there was an advert by a Federal Medical Centre here looking for healthcare workers. They needed around 100 workers, but over a million Nigerians applied.
“We have thousands of qualified healthcare personnel roaming the streets looking for jobs. If we increase the retirement age, others will miss the opportunity to advance.”
Essiet’s argument was however, countered by Mohammed Anka (PDP, Zamfara). He stated that specialized workers are different from non-specialized workers.
Anka contended that many tertiary hospitals have vacancies and that retired medical consultants are highly sought after by private hospitals.
“I am making this contribution based on experience. I am a health economist and have worked in the Ministry of Health. And I urge my colleagues to distinguish between specialized and non-specialized labour.
“Today, judges’ tenures have been extended. If you go to FMCs, there are many vacancies for consultants. They had to retain those who had retired. Those who are retiring now are awaiting employment from external agencies because they know their worth. As soon as a consultant retires, they are likely to receive new job offers,” he said.
The Bill was passed despite opposition from some members. As the “ayes” had it when it was put to a vote by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, who presided.
The Bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Healthcare Services.
source: Premium Times
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