President Approves 65-Year Retirement Age for Doctors, Healthcare Workers

• President Tinubu has approved increasing the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years
• The policy shift aims to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer, and ensure quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.

Dr. Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

He stated 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 finalization.

The policy shift was conveyed during a high-level meeting between Pate, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu, and key health sector stakeholders, including 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 at the meeting focused on improving the welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Pate confirmed that arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment.

“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.

Bature also quoted the minister as saying that President Tinubu approved the correction 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 stated.

Additionally, following a review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted to implement new tariffs for healthcare service providers. This change will benefit Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN) members, ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide.

Pate expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare workers’ welfare.

He emphasized that stakeholder cooperation is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.

Attendees at the meeting pledged to continue advocating for healthcare workers’ welfare and implementing key reforms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NMA has long advocated increasing the retirement age of health workers to 65 years to address brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare delivery.

NAN also noted that various health associations and unions had previously declared nationwide strikes due to the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.