President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers in Nigeria, extending it from 60 to 65 years. This decision aims to address the ongoing brain drain in the country’s health sector and ensure better healthcare service delivery.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Mannir Bature, confirmed this development in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos. He explained that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor 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.
Bature stated that Pate shared this policy change during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, and other key stakeholders in the healthcare sector. The meeting included representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
He highlighted that discussions at the meeting focused on improving the welfare of doctors and healthcare professionals across the country. One of the key announcements was that arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set to be paid.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” Bature said.
The minister also confirmed that President Tinubu had approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). These adjustments arose from the implementation of the new minimum wage, which had previously led to disputes among healthcare workers.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” Bature added.
Additionally, he announced that the government has approved the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers. This move is expected to particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses, ensuring better financial remuneration and the sustainability of healthcare services nationwide.
Professor Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of all healthcare stakeholders while reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving their welfare. He emphasized that collaboration is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that all necessary reforms are fully implemented to support our healthcare workers and improve service delivery,” Pate said.
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The meeting participants also renewed their commitment to working together to push for the welfare of healthcare professionals and ensure the full implementation of the newly approved reforms.
The Nigerian Medical Association has long advocated for an increase in the retirement age of healthcare workers. They argue that allowing doctors and other medical professionals to work longer will help curb the increasing migration of skilled healthcare workers to other countries and enhance knowledge transfer to younger practitioners.
In recent years, several health associations and unions have gone on strike to demand better conditions, including the full implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS. The government hopes that these new measures will address their concerns and bring stability to the health sector.