Doctors’ new retirement age will cushion brain drain, says NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says the recent increase in the retirement age of doctors and other healthcare workers will help to cushion the effects of brain drain in the sector.

In recent times, there has been a wave of migration by Nigerians who are seeking greener pastures abroad. “Japa” is a popular word used to describe migration in the country.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved 65 years as the new retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers to address the brain drain in the sector.

Speaking in an interview with NAN, Happy Adedapo, NMA chairman in Oyo, said the approval is a welcome development to somewhat take care of some downsides of the highly prevalent “japa” malady among other issues bedevilling the healthcare delivery system.

“It is something the body of doctors has been advocating as most healthcare facilities are short-staffed,” he said.

“Generally, apart from the external ‘japa’, there is the internal ‘japa’ as well.

“People are also migrating to places like Lagos and Abuja due to better working conditions on a daily basis.

“The lacuna created by the shortage of staff, as a result of the exit of top and junior professionals, would be surely plugged, even if temporarily, while further ingenious measures are adopted for permanent respite.

“It’s better to retain the old and experienced ones who have been in the system and not planning to relocate.

“So, it’s a welcome development if followed through and backed by extant documents.”