The Nigerian healthcare system is facing a critical juncture, grappling with a significant brain drain of experienced medical professionals. This exodus, coupled with a looming wave of retirements, threatens to exacerbate the existing shortage of skilled healthcare workers, particularly in specialized fields like medical and dental consultancy. To address this pressing concern, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has taken a proactive step by submitting a proposal to the Office of the Head of Service to extend the retirement age for medical and dental consultants from the current 60 years to 70 years. This move comes on the heels of a recent increase in the retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years, approved by President Bola Tinubu in February. However, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has been advocating for a more substantial extension to 70 years specifically for consultants, arguing that this is crucial to retaining valuable expertise within the country and mitigating the impact of the ongoing emigration of skilled professionals.
The rationale behind MDCAN’s push for a higher retirement age for consultants stems from the alarming rate at which experienced professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. Data reveals a stark reality: between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 1,056 consultants left Nigeria, seeking greener pastures in other healthcare systems. This outward migration represents a significant loss of valuable knowledge and expertise that is crucial for training the next generation of medical professionals. Moreover, the impending retirement of a substantial number of existing consultants further intensifies the concern. Projections indicate that approximately 1,594 consultants aged 55 and above are expected to retire by 2029, creating a substantial void in the consultant workforce if no effective measures are implemented to retain experienced professionals.
The proposed extension of the retirement age is viewed by stakeholders as a crucial intervention to mitigate the projected workforce shortage and ensure the continued availability of specialized medical expertise within the country. By allowing consultants to remain active in the healthcare system for a longer period, the proposal aims to retain their valuable experience, knowledge, and mentorship capabilities. This retention is particularly crucial for medical education, where consultants play a pivotal role in training both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. Their absence would create a significant gap in the training pipeline, impacting the quality of future healthcare professionals and potentially further exacerbating the existing workforce challenges.
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has been actively engaged in advocating for the retirement age extension and is optimistic about the proposal’s prospects. Professor Muhammad Muhammad, the President of MDCAN, expressed confidence in the government’s positive consideration of the memo submitted by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate. He described the current stage as the “last bus stop” of negotiations, indicating the advanced stage of the proposal within the governmental review process. The memo is currently awaiting consideration by the National Council on Establishment, a key body responsible for decisions related to employment terms and conditions within the public sector.
The timing of the National Council on Establishment’s review is anticipated to be in September, although a specific date is yet to be fixed by the Office of the Head of Service. MDCAN remains hopeful that the council will approve the proposal without undue delay, recognizing the urgency of addressing the healthcare workforce challenges. The association believes that the extension of the retirement age for consultants is a critical step towards stabilizing the healthcare system, retaining valuable expertise, and ensuring the continued provision of quality healthcare services to the Nigerian population. The outcome of the council’s deliberation will have significant implications for the future of the healthcare sector and the availability of specialized medical care across the country.
The potential benefits of extending the retirement age for consultants are multi-faceted. It not only addresses the immediate concern of workforce shortages but also contributes to strengthening the overall healthcare system in the long term. By retaining experienced consultants, Nigeria can leverage their expertise to improve the quality of medical education and training, ensuring that future generations of healthcare professionals are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the population. Furthermore, the presence of seasoned consultants within the healthcare system provides a valuable resource for mentorship and guidance, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development among younger medical professionals. This continuous knowledge transfer is essential for maintaining high standards of care and promoting innovation within the healthcare sector. The extended retirement age also offers consultants the opportunity to continue contributing to the profession they have dedicated their lives to, ensuring their valuable skills and experience are not prematurely lost to the system. This continued engagement benefits both the individual consultants and the overall healthcare landscape.
