President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers 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 issued on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Bature, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
Pate conveyed the policy shift during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector. The meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
Discussions centered on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria. The coordinating minister confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” Pate said. He also stated that President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
This development is expected to provide much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers. Following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide.
The NMA has championed increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer, and ensure quality healthcare delivery.
Various health associations or unions had declared nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers. The approval of the increase in retirement age is a significant development in addressing the welfare of healthcare workers in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all healthcare workers.
Pate emphasized that collaboration is crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. Attendees at the meeting renewed their commitment to work together to advocate for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensure the full implementation of key reforms.
