By Happiness Edeawe
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has announced plans to increase the retirement age of doctors in the state from 60 to 65 years.
This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system and reduce the migration of skilled medical professionals.
While addressing national officers of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Calabar, Governor Otu emphasized the importance of retaining experienced doctors in the system.
“In view of the realities we face, especially the shortage of skilled hands, we are seriously considering reviewing the retirement age for doctors from 60 to 65 years,” he said.
The governor highlighted that the proposed extension would not only help retain highly skilled clinicians but also facilitate effective knowledge transfer to younger professionals, improving continuity in healthcare delivery.
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He stressed that the sustainability of the health sector depends on both policies and the ethical and professional responsibility of practitioners.
Governor Otu noted that upholding ethical and professional standards would help rebuild public confidence and curb the ongoing brain drain.
“The medical profession demands both ethical and professional discipline. When these are upheld, they will inspire trust in the system and reduce the exodus of our best minds to other countries,” he said.
The governor highlighted the steps taken to reposition the health sector, starting with primary healthcare, which he described as the bedrock of effective service delivery. He assured that efforts are being made to address gaps in secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions.
Governor Otu thanked medical professionals for their tireless efforts and assured them of the administration’s commitment to improving their working conditions.
He also reaffirmed the government’s gradual implementation of improved salary structures, promising better days ahead for medical professionals in the state.
Dr. Abdulrauf Tajudeen, Vice President 1 of NARD, commended the governor for approving 70% of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in the state.
However, he urged the governor to push toward full parity with federal salaries to reduce internal migration and retain skilled hands within the state.
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