ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years in a bid to address concerns raised by medical professionals over poor remuneration and welfare conditions.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) National Publicity Secretary, Mannir Bature, announced the decision on Wednesday, 5 February, in Lagos, stating that it followed the NMA’s persistent threats to embark on industrial action due to the federal government’s failure to fully implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The Nigerian healthcare sector has been plagued by a mass exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) recently revealed that over 1,300 medical consultants had left the country in the last five years, leaving only 6,000 consultants to serve a population of nearly 220 million.
According to Bature, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
He also disclosed that funds have been secured for the payment of arrears from the adjustment of CONMESS, with disbursement set to commence soon.
Tinubu has further approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, in line with 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 stated.
The move is expected to help curb the alarming rate of medical brain drain and improve working conditions for Nigerian healthcare professionals.
