President Bola Tinubu has approved a new retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers in Nigeria, raising it. from 60 to 65 years.
This update was shared by Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in a statement released in Lagos State on Wednesday.
This development is part of a broader trend in Nigeria, where there have been ongoing discussions about adjusting retirement ages for various professions.
The Senate recently passed a bill to increase the retirement age for National Assembly staff from 60 to 65 years.
Additionally, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has been advocating for a 65-year retirement age for civil servants.
He said 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 and the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, along with other key stakeholders in the health sector.
According to Bature, the minister also confirmed that the government is set to pay the 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.
He noted that after a comprehensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has 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,” he said.
This move is expected to address the brain drain in the health sector, facilitate knowledge transfer, and enhance healthcare delivery.
The NMA has long advocated the extension of the retirement age, and this approval is seen as a significant step forward.
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