President Bola Tinubu has approved increasing the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years.
Dr Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), made the announcement in a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos.
Bature said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been asked to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
He said the policy shift was conveyed by Pate during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
Bature 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 Nigeria.
According to him, the coordinating minister 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.
Bature quoted the minister as saying that President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), arising 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.
