Tinubu Approves 65-Year Retirement Age for Doctors, Healthcare Workers, Clears Salary Arrears
Written by Olakunle Oke on February 6, 2025
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers in Nigeria, raising it from 60 to 65 years. This development was announced by Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The approval is a significant move, as it aims to address the brain drain and improve knowledge transfer in the healthcare sector. The NMA has been advocating for this change, and it’s a major win for healthcare workers in the country.
In addition to the retirement age increase, Tinubu has also authorized the release of funds to clear outstanding salary arrears owed to healthcare workers. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present this approval to the Council on Establishment for final ratification.
Other key developments from the meeting include:
– Payment of Arrears: The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon.
– Adjustments to CONMESS and CONHESS: Tinubu has approved adjustments to both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), reflecting the impact of the newly implemented minimum wage.
– New Tariffs for Healthcare Providers: Approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers, which will benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN).
These developments are expected to provide financial relief to healthcare professionals and promote greater sustainability in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The NMA has welcomed the development, describing it as a “major victory” for healthcare workers in the country. The association has been at the forefront of advocating for improved welfare and working conditions for healthcare professionals.
“This is a significant development, and we commend President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers,” said Dr. Bature. “We will continue to work with the government to ensure that healthcare workers receive the best possible treatment.”
The approval of the new retirement age and the clearing of salary arrears are expected to boost morale among healthcare workers and improve the overall quality of healthcare services in the country.
As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers is a step in the right direction. With the new retirement age and the clearing of salary arrears, healthcare workers can now focus on providing quality care to patients without the burden of financial uncertainty.
The development is also expected to attract and retain top talent in the healthcare sector, as professionals will now have more incentives to remain in the country and contribute to the growth and development of the healthcare system.
Overall, the approval of the new retirement age and the clearing of salary arrears is a major win for healthcare workers in Nigeria, and it demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare professionals.
