President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Bature, 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 final processing.
He noted that Pate relayed this policy shift 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 advancements related to the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in the country.
Bature stated that the Coordinating Minister confirmed that outstanding arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment, with the necessary funds already secured and disbursement expected to commence soon.
Quoting the minister, Bature said President Tinubu has also approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which were affected by the implementation of the new minimum wage. The process is at an advanced stage, bringing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers.
Furthermore, following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of revised tariffs for healthcare service providers. This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring improved financial compensation and the sustainability of healthcare services nationwide.
The Coordinating Minister expressed gratitude for the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers.
Pate emphasized that collaboration is key to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. Meeting participants reiterated their commitment to advocating for improved working conditions and ensuring the full implementation of critical reforms.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NMA has been at the forefront of advocating for the extension of the retirement age for healthcare workers, citing the need to curb brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.
NAN also notes that several health associations and unions have previously embarked on nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and other healthcare workers.
source NAN
