Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Apostle Sen. Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the implementation of the 65 years of age or 40 years in service retirement policy for health workers in the state.
The policy, announced by the Office of the Head of Service, Cross River State, is aimed at addressing the shortages due to mass retirement of nurses and other health professionals in the last few years.
According to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Dr. Coco-Bassey Esu, the approval came at a critical time for the health sector. He noted that without the intervention, many health facilities across the state would have been left grossly understaffed.
“This people-first decision by His Excellency will enable our experienced nurses and health workers to remain in service as mentors to guide younger professionals, fill existing workforce gaps, and ensure continuity in healthcare delivery and professional growth,” Dr. Esu said.
He described the policy as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and sustaining quality healthcare for Cross Riverians under the ‘People First’ agenda of the administration.
Dr. Esu further assured that the Office of the Special Assistant on Nursing will work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the policy for the benefit of all residents.
The approval has been widely received with commendation by nurses and health workers across the state.