President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says.
.A statement issued on Wednesday, February 5, by Mannir Bature, national publicity secretary of the NMA, said Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, will formally present the approval to the council on establishment through the office of the head of service for finalisation.
Bature said the policy shift was conveyed by the minister during a high-level meeting with Bala Audu, the NMA president, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
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The NMA secretary said the meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
He said discussions centred on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in the country.
Bature said Pate confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers.”
Recall that on April 8, 2022, ex- Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022.
The essence of the bill was to give legal backing for the approval of the new retirement age of 65 from 60 years for teachers and extend their period of service from 35 to 40 years, Mr Adamu Adamu, then Minister of Education had said.
