Health

Extension of Retirement Age for Doctors to 65 Will Help Curb ‘Japa’ Exodus – NMA Chairman

Published

1 month ago

Feb 10, 2025.

Retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers increased from 60 to 65 years to address workforce shortages.
NMA Chairman says the move will help mitigate the impact of the ‘japa’ exodus affecting Nigeria’s health sector.
Experienced doctors who are not planning to relocate will help fill the staffing gap temporarily

The recent increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years will help cushion the effects of the ongoing ‘japa’ crisis in Nigeria’s health sector, according to the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Branch, Dr. Happy Adedapo.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking in an interview with Journalists in Ibadan, Adedapo described President Bola Tinubu’s approval as a welcome development that would help address workforce shortages caused by the mass exodus of medical professionals.

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He emphasised that many healthcare facilities across Nigeria are severely short-staffed, with both senior and junior professionals migrating not just abroad but also to cities like Lagos and Abuja in search of better working conditions.

“The gap created by the exit of experienced professionals can be temporarily filled by retaining older doctors who are not planning to relocate. This policy is a step in the right direction, provided it is properly implemented and backed by the necessary regulations,” Adedapo stated.