President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Mannir Bature, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to him, 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.
Prof. Pate conveyed this policy shift during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The meeting also included representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
Bature stated that discussions at the meeting focused on the welfare of doctors and healthcare workers, with updates on the payment of outstanding salary arrears.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
He also noted that President Tinubu had approved the correction of consequential salary adjustments for both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure 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,” Bature added.
Additionally, the government has approved the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers. This move, according to Bature, will benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses by ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability of healthcare services nationwide.
Prof. Pate acknowledged the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.
“Collaboration is crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector, and we appreciate the dedication of all parties involved in these reforms,” the minister said.
The NMA has been at the forefront of advocating for an increase in the retirement age for healthcare workers, citing the need to curb brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.
