Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced that his administration is considering raising the retirement age for doctors from 60 to 65 years as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare system.
Otu disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing national officers of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Calabar, who were in the state capital for their July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
The governor explained that extending the retirement age would not only help retain experienced clinicians but also facilitate the mentoring of younger medical professionals, ensuring a smoother transfer of knowledge and expertise.
“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,” Otu said. “This will help us retain valuable experience within our system and provide room for mentoring and knowledge transfer to the next generation of healthcare workers.”
He stressed that revitalizing the healthcare sector requires both supportive government policies and a strong ethical commitment from practitioners. He called on medical professionals to maintain high standards, noting that doing so is essential to rebuilding public trust and addressing the brain drain affecting the health sector.
Governor Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to healthcare, despite competing demands in areas like education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
“All sectors must grow together. So, we appeal for dialogue and superior reasoning in addressing welfare and sectoral demands,” he said. “On remuneration, the state government is gradually implementing an improved salary structure, which will ensure better days ahead for medical professionals in the state.”
He acknowledged that progress might not be immediate but assured that his government is working with “intent, purpose, and compassion for our people.”
In response, NARD President Dr. Osundare Tope, represented by Vice President 1, Abdulrauf Tajudeen, commended the governor for approving 70 percent of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in Cross River. He, however, urged the state to work toward achieving full salary parity with their federal counterparts to help retain skilled personnel and reduce internal migration.
Also speaking, Dr. Emmanuel Ogar, Chairman of NARD in Cross River, expressed appreciation for the governor’s support of the association’s ongoing NEC meeting in Calabar and formally invited him to serve as special guest of honour at the weeklong event.
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