To address the nationwide strike by the health workers in their demand for implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for Doctors and health workers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension in the retirement age for medical doctors and other allied healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
National Publicity Secretary, of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Mannir Bature, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday in Lagos.
According to Bature, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, convey the directive of president Tinubu’s approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
During a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector, Prof Pate made the disclosure.
In attendance of the meeting were 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).
The participants discussed the long overdue demands that affect the welfare of medical Doctors and other health workers in Nigeria and how to address them.
Part of the resolution of the meeting is that, 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. (NAN)
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” he said.
Following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, the federal government has given the approval for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers, Bature added.
“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.
The statement added that 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 in the country as part of the renewed hope agenda of tinubu administration.
The Minister reiterated that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Consequently, he seek the indulgence of the attendees at the meeting to renewed their commitment to work together as well as advocating for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NMA has championed increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer and for quality healthcare delivery.
