President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain and improve knowledge transfer in Nigeria’s health sector.
The announcement was made by Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Bature, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
The policy shift was revealed during a high-level meeting attended by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, along with leaders from various healthcare associations, including the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Key Takeaways from the Announcement
- Approval of New Retirement Age: Doctors and other healthcare workers will now retire at 65 years, up from 60.
- Payment of Salary Arrears: The government has secured funds for Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, with disbursement to start soon.
- Salary Adjustments: President Tinubu has approved corrections to CONMESS and CONHESS adjustments, addressing concerns from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
- Improved Tariffs for Private Healthcare Providers: A new tariff structure will benefit private medical practitioners, ensuring better financial sustainability.
The minister thanked healthcare workers for their patience and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare. The move comes as a response to nationwide strikes and protests by health unions over salary structure implementation and working conditions.
