President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years.
Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Bature, the policy shift was conveyed by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The meeting also included leaders 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).
Discussions focused on the progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in the country.
Bature stated that the minister confirmed the government had secured the necessary funds to pay arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with disbursement set to commence soon.
Additionally, Tinubu approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage, with the process already at an advanced stage.
The NMA spokesperson further revealed that, following an extensive review initiated by the association, the government had also approved the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
This decision will benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide.
Bature quoted Pate as appreciating the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
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