President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
The president asked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate to present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalization.
Dr Mannir Bature, the National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, , confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said the minister conveyed the policy shift during a high-level meeting with Prof. Bala Audu, the NMA President, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
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Bature 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 are set for payment.
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, arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
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“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” he said.
He said following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
“This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.
Bature said the Coordinating Minister expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all healthcare workers.
Bature said Pate emphasised that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Punch