Extending retirement age for medical professionals

The recent decision by President Bola Tinubu to extend the retirement age of medical doctors and other health workers to 65 years has sparked considerable debate within Nigeria’s healthcare sector. While this policy shift aims to address the critical shortage of medical personnel caused by the phenomenon known as “japa” (brain drain), it merely scratches the surface of a deeply rooted crisis in the nation’s healthcare system.

Nigeria’s healthcare predicament has reached alarming proportions as medical professionals continue to seek opportunities abroad where compensation and working conditions are significantly better. The statistics paint a grim picture: according to the World Health Organisation’s recommendations, there should be one doctor for every 6,000 patients. However, Nigeria’s current ratio stands at a concerning one doctor per 10,000 patients, highlighting a severe shortage that compromises the quality of healthcare delivery.

The magnitude of this exodus becomes even more apparent when examining recent data. In the first quarter of 2023, The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, revealed that 16,000 doctors had emigrated, leaving only 55,000 physicians to care for a population exceeding 200 million. The total healthcare workforce of approximately 300,000 professionals, including nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, falls drastically short of meeting the nation’s healthcare needs, with the doctor-patient ratio exceeding WHO recommendations by more than five times.

The implementation of this new retirement policy was formally announced through the health minister, who was instructed to present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Head of Service’s office. This development aligns Nigeria more closely with global standards, where retirement ages for medical professionals vary significantly across countries and specialties.

International comparisons provide interesting context: in the United States, according to a 2016 American Medical Association survey, doctors typically retire around age 66, with significant variations across specialties. Primary care physicians often practice beyond 65, particularly in underserved areas, while surgeons tend to retire earlier. In the United Kingdom, doctors typically retire from the National Health Service at approximately 62 years for both genders, notably earlier than their American counterparts.

However, extending the retirement age from 60 years or 35 years of service to 65 years addresses only one symptom of a much larger problem. The fundamental issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system require a more comprehensive approach. The crisis at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where power outages persisted for over 100 days due to overwhelming electricity bills, exemplifies the systemic challenges facing healthcare institutions. This premier medical facility, which has produced thousands of physicians practicing worldwide, struggles with basic infrastructural needs, potentially deterring future medical professionals.

The problems begin at the educational level, where limited admission capacity in medical schools creates a bottleneck in producing new healthcare professionals. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) consistently reports that numerous qualified candidates are denied admission to medical programmes due to universities’ restricted capacity, thereby limiting the pipeline of future medical professionals.

Moreover, the issue of remuneration remains paramount. There exists a direct correlation between motivation, hard work, and workforce productivity. Without competitive compensation packages, even an extended retirement age will fail to retain medical professionals who can earn substantially more in developed countries. The healthcare sector requires a holistic overhaul that addresses more medical schools, expansion, infrastructure, equipment, training, and staff welfare

To truly resolve the healthcare crisis, the government must prioritise several key areas: First, substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure and equipment is essential to create a conducive working environment. Second, comprehensive review and enhancement of remuneration packages would help retain talented professionals. Third, expansion of medical training facilities and programmes would ensure a steady supply of new healthcare workers. Finally, continuous professional development opportunities and improved working conditions would boost morale and job satisfaction.

The extension of retirement age, while potentially helpful in the short term, represents a stopgap measure rather than a comprehensive solution. Nigeria’s healthcare system requires fundamental restructuring that addresses the root causes of the brain drain phenomenon. Without addressing these core issues, including inadequate infrastructure, poor remuneration, and limited training opportunities, the exodus of medical professionals will likely continue, regardless of retirement age policies.

As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, it becomes increasingly clear that sustainable solutions must go beyond administrative adjustments. The future of healthcare in Nigeria depends on bold, comprehensive reforms that create an environment where medical professionals feel valued, supported, and motivated to serve their country’s healthcare needs. Only then can the nation begin to reverse the troubling trend of medical brain drain and work towards building a robust, efficient healthcare system that serves all Nigerians effectively.