President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years, marking a significant policy shift aimed at improving Nigeria’s health sector.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the approval would be formally presented to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
The decision was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and other key stakeholders, including leaders of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
According to Bature, discussions at the meeting focused on the welfare of healthcare professionals, with Pate confirming that the Federal Government had secured funds to settle arrears arising from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). He assured that disbursement would commence soon.
Additionally, Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which resulted from the implementation of the new minimum wage. Bature noted that the process to effect these corrections was at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers.
In another major development, the government has also approved new tariffs for healthcare service providers, ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN).
Prof. Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s health sector.
The NMA has long advocated for an increase in the retirement age for medical professionals to address brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare delivery.
The decision comes amid recent nationwide strikes by various health unions over the non-implementation of salary adjustments under CONMESS and CONHESS.
