By Taraba News
The Taraba State Government has commenced moves towards adopting the policy extending the retirement age for eligible health professionals to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first, following the Federal Government’s directive on the matter.
The Head of the Civil Service of Taraba State, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, disclosed this while speaking at the 23rd North-East Zonal Meeting of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) held at the union’s State Secretariat along Taraba State Broadcasting Corporation Road, Abuja Phase II, Jalingo.
Dr. Kara said extensive consultations had been concluded between the state government and relevant stakeholders, with the government agreeing in principle to adopt the policy.
He explained, however, that implementation in Taraba would commence after the necessary legislative process is completed and Governor Agbu Kefas gives his assent.
> “On the issue of 65 years and 40 years, I think we are waiting for the signing by His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas. In respect of the meetings we have concluded, we have agreed that we are going to adopt that policy. As soon as His Excellency signs it into law, it is going to be implemented in Taraba,” Dr. Kara said.
The Head of Service said the proposed extension would provide eligible health professionals with an opportunity to continue contributing their experience and expertise to the state’s health sector.
NSITF Social Insurance Arrangement
Dr. Kara also disclosed that discussions between the Taraba State Government and the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on a proposed social insurance arrangement for civil servants had reached an advanced stage.
He described the proposed policy as an important social protection initiative that could strengthen welfare support for civil servants and their families.
According to him, the proposed arrangement is expected to provide financial and medical support to civil servants who may be unable to afford treatment.
He added that the proposed insurance arrangement could cover medical treatment within and, where applicable, outside the country.
Dr. Kara further said that under the proposed arrangement, if a civil servant dies, the insurance would provide educational support for up to six children of the deceased until they attain the age of 17.
He stressed that the stated benefits relate to the proposed arrangement currently being discussed between the Taraba State Government and NSITF and would depend on the final terms and implementation framework.
> “Discussion has reached an advanced stage with the National Social Insurance Trust Fund, and that policy will be implemented in Taraba,” he stated.
MHWUN Meeting
Earlier, the State Chairman of MHWUN and Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Taraba State Council, Comrade Peter Jediel, welcomed participants to the meeting.
He expressed appreciation to the North-East zonal leadership, delegates and other participants for their presence and contributions.
Jediel also commended the national leadership of MHWUN under the National President, Comrade Dr. Kabiru Ado Sani Minjibir, and the General Secretary, Comrade Yusuf A. Kiyawa.
Other key speakers at the meeting included the General Secretary of MHWUN and the National Vice President of the union for the North-East, Comrade Satomi Hikama.
The meeting provided a platform for health workers and organised labour to deliberate on workers’ welfare, retirement policy, social protection, professional development and other issues affecting the health sector.
The proposed retirement policy and social insurance arrangement form part of ongoing discussions aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening the public service in Taraba State.
