ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals, extending it from 60 to 65 years.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Bature, 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 final ratification.
He noted that Pate conveyed the policy shift during a high-level meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and other 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 the welfare of healthcare professionals and ongoing efforts to improve working conditions.
Bature further stated that the coordinating minister confirmed the pending payment of salary arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
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Bature cited the minister as stating that President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, stemming from 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,” he said.
He noted that following a comprehensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of 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 cooperation of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers.
He also stated that Pate underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
According to him, participants at the meeting reaffirmed their dedication to advocating for healthcare workers’ welfare and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NMA has been at the forefront of advocating for an increase in the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to curb brain drain, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve healthcare delivery.
NAN also reports that various health associations and unions have staged nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
(NAN)