National Telescope national telescope newspaper
President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, disclosed 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 present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
During a high-level meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and other health sector stakeholders, Pate confirmed that arrears from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) have been secured, and disbursement will commence soon.
He added that Tinubu has also approved the correction of consequential adjustments for CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The meeting was attended by leaders 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 improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.
Bature said the approval to increase the retirement age is part of efforts to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer, and enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The government also approved new tariffs for healthcare service providers, benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses.
Pate appreciated the patience and collaboration of healthcare workers, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector through continuous reforms.
