Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years, a move aimed at addressing workforce shortages and enhancing knowledge transfer.
The Nigerian Medical Association’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Mannir Bature, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
He revealed that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, would formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment for finalisation through the Office of the Head of Service.
Pate conveyed the policy change during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key health sector stakeholders, including 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.
Bature further noted that discussions at the meeting focused on the welfare of healthcare professionals.
He added that the Coordinating Minister confirmed the payment of arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with funds secured for disbursement to beneficiaries.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” Bature quoted Pate as saying.
Pate also informed attendees that President Tinubu had approved the correction of the consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), following 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,” Bature stated.
In addition, following an extensive review led by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
This move is expected to benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), improving financial remuneration and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services across Nigeria.
Bature added that the Coordinating Minister expressed gratitude for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare worker welfare.
He also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in strengthening the nation’s health sector.
The NMA has long advocated for the increase in retirement age to address brain drain, promote knowledge transfer, and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare.
The association has previously led strikes in response to the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for healthcare workers.