In a bid to curb Nigeria's brain drain, President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for medical doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions among experts, with some hailing it as a potential solution to the country's healthcare challenges, while others argue it may limit opportunities for younger doctors.
Nigeria has lost over 16,000 doctors to migration in the past five years, as many seek better pay and working conditions abroad. Despite having approximately 300,000 health professionals, only 55,000 licensed doctors are actively practicing. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has warned of an impending shortage of healthcare consultants, with 1,700 consultants aged 55 and above expected to retire within the next five years.
Proponents of the policy argue that it will enhance knowledge transfer, stabilize the healthcare system, and align with global best practices. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has historically advocated for increasing the retirement age, and healthcare unions have largely welcomed the new policy.
However, critics emphasize the need for improved working conditions and better incentives to prevent the continued migration of medical personnel. They argue that raising the retirement age may not effectively address the deeper challenges within the healthcare system.
As the policy takes effect, it remains to be seen whether it will achieve its intended goals or create new challenges for Nigeria's healthcare sector. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation to assess the impact of this decision on both the current workforce and the future of healthcare delivery in the country. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexity of Nigeria's healthcare issues and the necessity for comprehensive reforms beyond just changes in retirement age.
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