Tinubu Increases Doctors, Health Workers Retirement Age To 65
President Bola Tinubu has approved an extension of the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The announcement was made by Dr Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a statement on Wednesday, in Lagos.
This policy change, aimed at addressing the growing issue of brain drain and improving knowledge transfer within the healthcare sector, will also enhance the delivery of quality healthcare in Nigeria.
The decision will be formalised after Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, presents it to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service.
READ ALSO
- El-Rufai Carpets Ribadu Over Defence Of Anti-Tinubu Remarks
- Tinubu Turns Down Federal University Of Education Bill
Bature explained that during a high-level meeting, Pate conveyed the policy shift, stating, “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.”
The meeting, which also included representatives from 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), centred on the progress made regarding the welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Bature quoted the minister, saying, “The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon.”
Bature also revealed that the President has approved corrections to both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) as a result 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.
Furthermore, he disclosed that following a thorough review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
“This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.
Professor Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, adding, “Collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.”
He also emphasised that the full implementation of reforms would be vital in improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
The NMA has long advocated for an increase in the retirement age for health workers, with the aim of addressing the issue of brain drain, facilitating knowledge transfer, and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
This development comes amid ongoing concerns over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS, which had led to strikes by various health associations and unions.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
