By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has approved six-five years (65yrs) as retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers.
The umbrella body of the health workers, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, revealed the approval of the new retirement age in a statement.
According to them, the approval is a right step in the right direction, and it will help to address the gap in the country’s human resources for health.
NMA in the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature on Wednesday noted that President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The association also said 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
Over the years, healthcare workers had consistently called for an increase in their retirement age to tackle brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and ensure quality healthcare delivery.
According to the statement, Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of health and Social Welfare, formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
Pate also conveyed this policy shift during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
Also in attendance at the meeting are: the leadership of 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).
The statement, added that discussions centred on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Pate confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were set for payment.
He said the President Tinubu also approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon”, he said.
