Nigerian Doctors' Body Demands 65-Year Retirement Age

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to swiftly implement a retirement age of 65 for clinical health workers. The association argues this measure is essential to retain experienced professionals within the country's healthcare system, which is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled personnel.

Dr. Afekhide Omoti, President of the NMA, made this call on Friday in Abuja following the association's National Executive Council meeting. He emphasized that delaying the implementation of the 65-year retirement age is particularly concerning given the ongoing migration of experienced doctors and other health professionals out of Nigeria. "At a time when Nigeria is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled healthcare professionals due to migration and other factors, retaining experienced clinicians within the system is essential," Omoti stated.

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At a time when Nigeria is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled healthcare professionals due to migration and other factors, retaining experienced clinicians within the system is essential.

The NMA president urged the government to implement the retirement age "without undue and unnecessary limitations." He believes extending the retirement age would serve as a crucial palliative measure while the nation works to address the broader challenges of healthcare workforce shortages and brain drain. The association views this as part of a wider review of critical issues affecting Nigeria's health sector, which also includes healthcare infrastructure, worker welfare, insecurity, and inadequate remuneration.

While acknowledging government investments in healthcare infrastructure, the NMA stressed that such investments alone are insufficient without a corresponding focus on the healthcare workforce. "Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee an effective health system without a motivated, adequately protected and properly remunerated health workforce," Omoti noted. The association is calling for a balance between infrastructure development and investment in healthcare professionals, warning that quality services cannot be delivered without adequate numbers of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other skilled personnel.

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Infrastructure alone cannot guarantee an effective health system without a motivated, adequately protected and properly remunerated health workforce.