President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Bature explained that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
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The policy shift was conveyed by Pate during a high-level meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and other key health sector stakeholders.
The meeting also included leaders 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).
Bature stated that the discussions focused on advancements in the welfare of doctors and healthcare professionals.
He further noted that the Coordinating Minister confirmed that the arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set to be paid soon, with the necessary funds already secured.
The minister also mentioned that President Tinubu had approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The process to implement these corrections is nearing completion, providing significant relief to doctors and healthcare workers.
Additionally, Bature highlighted that following a comprehensive review initiated by the NMA, new tariffs for healthcare service providers have been approved, which will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring improved financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services across the country.
The Coordinating Minister expressed gratitude for the cooperation and patience of all stakeholders and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers.
Pate also emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Attendees at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.
The NMA has long advocated for raising the retirement age for healthcare workers to 65 to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer, and ensure better healthcare delivery.
National strikes had been declared by various health associations and unions over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
