Doctors To Stay Longer! NMA Claims Raising Retirement Age Will Tackle Japa

Doctors To Stay Longer! NMA Claims Raising Retirement Age Will Tackle Japa

The recent decision to increase the retirement age of doctors and healthcare professionals from 60 to 65 years is expected to alleviate the impact of the ongoing ‘japa’ phenomenon in Nigeria’s health sector.

Dr. Happy Adedapo, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Branch, shared this insight during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday.……READ MORE

NAN recalls that President Bola Tinubu approved the extension of the retirement age to 65 earlier this week for doctors and healthcare workers nationwide.

According to Dr. Adedapo, this policy is a positive step towards addressing the critical staffing shortages caused by the mass emigration of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.

Dr. Adedapo highlighted that the approval will help mitigate the ongoing shortage of personnel in the healthcare system.

“This has been a longstanding demand from the medical community as many healthcare facilities are grappling with severe understaffing issues. Beyond the external ‘japa’ trend, there is also significant internal migration of healthcare workers moving to cities like Lagos and Abuja for better working conditions,” he explained.

“The gaps created by the departure of both senior and junior healthcare professionals will be temporarily addressed with this extension, while more sustainable solutions are sought.”

Dr. Adedapo emphasized the importance of retaining experienced professionals who have no intention of relocating, stating that the policy is a welcome development if fully implemented and supported by relevant documentation.