Doctors, pharmacists, dietitians, nurses, and other health workers are in for a significant boost in their careers as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved an increase in the retirement age for healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years. This landmark decision aims to enhance workforce retention and address the pressing issue of brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The announcement was made by Dr. Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), who stated that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, will facilitate the formal presentation of the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.

During a high-level meeting that included key healthcare stakeholders, such as the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, representatives from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions, Prof. Pate highlighted the government's commitment to improving the welfare of health workers.

Bature revealed that the minister confirmed the Federal Government's plans to pay the outstanding arrears resulting from the adjustments made to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. "The necessary funds have been allocated, and disbursement will begin shortly", he reassured.

The Coordinating Minister also announced the approval of consequential adjustments for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) following the implementation of the new minimum wage. "This move is expected to relieve financial pressure on healthcare professionals and enhance their overall compensation", he added.

In line with the discussions, an extensive review initiated by the NMA has led to the approval of new tariffs for healthcare service providers. Particularly, members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN) will benefit from improved financial remuneration, which aims to bolster the sustainability of healthcare services across the nation.

Pate expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders present at the meeting, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming challenges within Nigeria's health sector. He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance the welfare of healthcare workers, highlighting that only through cooperation can substantial progress be made.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that; NMA has been a vocal advocate for the increase in the retirement age of healthcare professionals to ensure better knowledge transfer and quality healthcare delivery. Following this announcement, unions and associations within the healthcare sector, which previously staged nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS, are now optimistic about improved conditions for their members.

With this policy shift, healthcare professionals in Nigeria are set to benefit from extended careers, increased job satisfaction, and a more sustainable health workforce, ultimately contributing to the delivery of quality healthcare services to the Nigerian populace.