The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 5, the National Publicity Secretary of the NMA, Mannir Bature, disclosed that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, conveyed the policy shift during a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the health sector.
“The Honourable Minister informed us that the President has approved the upward review of the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers to 65 years,” Bature stated. “This development is aimed at addressing the shortage of experienced professionals in the sector and ensuring continuity of service.”
He further revealed that Pate would officially present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
The meeting, which had in attendance NMA President Bala Audu, as well as representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), also focused on welfare matters affecting medical professionals in the country.
Speaking on the government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ conditions, Bature noted that Pate confirmed that arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) would soon be disbursed.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” the statement read. “The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers.”
The policy shift and salary adjustments are seen as significant steps towards addressing the brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector and ensuring better service delivery in the nation’s hospitals.
