Nigerian Medical Association threatens nationwide strike over unresolved welfare issues.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has announced plans to review the retirement age of doctors in the state from 60 to 65 years as part of ongoing efforts to reform the health sector.
Otu made this known on Wednesday while addressing national officers of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) during their July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Calabar.
The governor said the proposed policy would help retain experienced clinicians and facilitate effective knowledge transfer to younger professionals, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
“In view of the realities we face, especially the shortage of skilled hands, we are seriously considering reviewing the retirement age of doctors from 60 to 65 years. This will help us retain valuable experience and provide room for mentoring and knowledge transfer to the next generation of healthcare workers,” he stated.
Otu noted that sustainability in the health sector required both government reforms and ethical responsibility from practitioners, urging doctors to uphold professional standards to rebuild public trust and curb the ongoing brain drain.
The governor also highlighted the state’s gradual implementation of an improved salary structure, promising better welfare for medical professionals.
“We may not solve everything overnight, but we are moving with intent, purpose, and compassion for our people,” he added.
Doctors React
NARD President, Dr Osundare Tope, represented by Vice President 1, Dr Abdulrauf Tajudeen, commended the governor for approving 70% of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) but urged the government to push for full parity with federal salaries to discourage migration of health workers.
The Chairman of NARD in Cross River, Dr Emmanuel Ogar, also thanked the governor for supporting the association’s NEC meeting and invited him as the special guest of honour.
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