President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Mannir Bature, disclosed this in a statement 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 finalisation.
He explained that the policy shift was communicated by Prof. Pate during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions. Discussions focused on the progress made in improving the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
According to Bature, the coordinating minister confirmed that the government had secured the necessary funds to pay arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
Bature also quoted the minister as stating that President Tinubu had approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, which arose from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” he said.
He further stated that following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval had 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, ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.
Bature noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health appreciated the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
He emphasised that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Attendees at the meeting renewed their commitment to working together to advocate for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensure the full implementation of key reforms.
The Nigerian Medical Association has long championed the push to increase the retirement age of health workers to address brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare delivery.
Over the years, various health associations and unions have declared nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
