President Bola Tinubu has approved raising the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
This was disclosed by Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Bature stated that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been tasked with formally presenting this approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
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The policy shift was communicated by Pate during a high-level meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and key health sector stakeholders, including 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).
The meeting focused on advancements regarding the welfare of doctors and healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Bature added that the Coordinating Minister confirmed that arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) would soon be paid, as necessary funds had already been secured.
Additionally, the minister stated that President Tinubu had approved adjustments to both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) arising from the new minimum wage implementation, with the process nearing completion.
The approval for new tariffs for healthcare service providers, benefiting the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), was also granted to enhance financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide.
Bature said that the Coordinating Minister expressed gratitude for stakeholders’ patience and cooperation, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare.
Pate highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
The attendees pledged to continue working together to advocate for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensure the full implementation of critical reforms.
The NMA has been a strong advocate for raising the retirement age of healthcare workers to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer, and ensure quality healthcare delivery.
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