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President Bola Tinubu has approved an extension of the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years.
Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos. He explained that 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 final processing.
Bature noted that the policy change was communicated by Pate during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, alongside key stakeholders in the health sector. 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) also attended the meeting.
Discussions at the meeting focused on improving the welfare of healthcare professionals across the country. According to Bature, the minister also confirmed that the government is set to clear outstanding arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
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Bature further cited the minister as stating that President Tinubu has approved the rectification of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation 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,” he said.
Following a comprehensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has also been given for the implementation of revised 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,” Bature added.
He also stated that the Coordinating Minister acknowledged the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.
Participants at the meeting reiterated their dedication to working together to advocate for healthcare workers’ welfare and ensure the full implementation of key sector reforms.
The NMA has long pushed for an increase in the retirement age of healthcare workers as a strategy to address brain drain, facilitate knowledge transfer, and enhance healthcare service delivery. Various health associations and unions across the country have previously staged strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
