By Justina Madu
The Federal Government has approved the extension of retirement age for clinically skilled health workers from 60 to 65 years.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed the decision during a meeting with key stakeholders in the medical and allied health sectors in Abuja.
A statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mr. Alaba Balogun, stresses that the decision is at enhancing healthcare delivery and strengthen the capacity to train future professionals.
The statement explains that President Bola Tinubu approved the extension with a mandate to follow due process for its implementation.
According to the statement, the Minister says to actualize this directive the Ministry will collaborate with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the National Council on Establishment, and other relevant stakeholders.
The statement assures that the payment of seven months’ arrears of CONMESS and CONHESS is in progress.
It adds that in it remarks, President of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Prof. Bala Audu, commends President Tinubu for restoring strong leadership in the health sector and appreciated Prof. Pate for fostering transparency and dialogue with unions.
According to the statement, Prof. Audu, promises full cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of the new retirement policy and the resolution of outstanding arrears.
The statement says the meeting was attended by key representatives from the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
