Tinubu approves new retirement age for doctors, healthcare workers

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

According to Bature, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to formally submit the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.

He stated that Pate relayed this policy update during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, alongside 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. Discussions focused on advancements concerning the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

Bature noted that the Coordinating Minister confirmed that arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure are set to be disbursed.

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

He further quoted the minister, stating that President Tinubu has approved adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to reflect 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 an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has also been granted for implementing new 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,” he said.

Bature added that the Coordinating Minister expressed gratitude for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s dedication to improving the welfare of healthcare workers.

He emphasized that collaboration is key to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.

Attendees at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for healthcare workers’ welfare and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NMA has long advocated for increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to combat brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare quality.

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