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, announced this on Wednesday in Lagos.
He stated that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
Pate shared this decision during a meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
Representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions were also present.
Discussions at the meeting covered the welfare of healthcare professionals.
Pate confirmed that funds have been secured to pay arrears from adjustments to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and payments will begin soon.
He also noted that President Tinubu approved corrections to the consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, which are in the final stages of implementation.
Additionally, a review by the NMA has led to approval for new tariffs for healthcare service providers, benefiting members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses.
This is expected to improve financial conditions and sustain healthcare services.
The meeting participants reaffirmed their commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring the successful implementation of these reforms.
