The National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, Mannir Bature, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos.
Bature said the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
He said Pate conveyed the policy shift during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
Bature said the meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and the Joint Health Sector Unions.
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He said discussions centred on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
According to him, the coordinating minister confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure are set for payment.
He said following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
Bature said the Coordinating Minister expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all healthcare workers.
Bature said Pate emphasised that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
He said attendees at the meeting renewed their commitment to work together to advocate for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensure the full implementation of key reforms.
Recall, the NMA has championed increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer and for quality healthcare delivery.
Various health associations or unions had declared nationwide strikes over the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.