President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years, a move aimed at addressing brain drain and strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, disclosed this development in a statement on Wednesday. He confirmed that the 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.
During a high-level meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and other key stakeholders, Pate also announced that President Tinubu had approved the correction of consequential salary adjustments for healthcare workers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The arrears for these adjustments have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon.
The meeting was attended by leaders from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions. Discussions focused on improving the welfare of medical professionals and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services nationwide.
Additionally, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers, particularly benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN).
Prof. Pate acknowledged the patience and cooperation of healthcare workers and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare. He emphasized that collaboration among stakeholders is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
The NMA has long advocated for an increase in the retirement age to curb the mass exodus of medical professionals, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve the quality of healthcare delivery. Various health associations have previously embarked on nationwide strikes due to the non-implementation of salary adjustments, making this policy shift a significant milestone for the sector.
