ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria, extending it from 60 to 65 years.
This development was disclosed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, in a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to the statement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally submit the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for final processing.
Prof. Pate communicated this policy change during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and other stakeholders in the health sector. Representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions also attended the meeting, which centred on welfare improvements for healthcare professionals.
Dr. Bature noted that Prof. Pate confirmed that funds have been secured to clear outstanding arrears from adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with disbursement set to begin soon.
Additionally, President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments to both the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and CONMESS, which were impacted by the implementation of the new minimum wage. The adjustments are reportedly in advanced stages.
Approval has also been granted for the implementation of revised tariffs for healthcare service providers, benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN). This move aims to ensure better financial compensation and the sustainability of healthcare services across the nation.
Prof. Pate expressed appreciation for the cooperation of stakeholders, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers and strengthening the nation’s health sector.
The NMA, which has consistently advocated for the extension of the retirement age for healthcare professionals, highlighted the decision as a step towards curbing brain drain, fostering knowledge transfer, and enhancing healthcare delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that several healthcare unions had previously embarked on strikes over the non-implementation of salary structures for healthcare workers, underlining the significance of the approved reforms.