President Bola Tinubu has approved an extension of the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria from 60 to 65 years.
This decision aims to enhance the welfare of healthcare workers and is expected to be formalized by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
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During a high-level meeting attended by key stakeholders, including the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, and representatives from 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), it was confirmed that the policy would be presented to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for final approval.
The meeting also addressed pressing issues concerning the welfare of healthcare professionals, with Prof. Pate announcing that funds had been secured to pay arrears from the adjusted Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Disbursement of these funds is expected to commence shortly.
In addition to the retirement age extension, President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). These adjustments are in line with the implementation of the new minimum wage and are aimed at easing financial burdens on healthcare workers.
The President also approved new tariffs for healthcare service providers, following an extensive review initiated by the NMA.
This change is anticipated to benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN).
