Cross River Considers Raising Doctors’ Retirement Age to 65 Amid Healthcare Reform Plans

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced that the state is considering increasing the retirement age for doctors from 60 to 65 years as part of broader efforts to reform its healthcare sector. Speaking on Wednesday in Calabar during a courtesy visit by national executives of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), who are in town for their July NEC meeting, the governor said the proposed adjustment aims to retain experienced medical professionals and promote mentorship within the system.

Otu explained that the state is grappling with a shortage of skilled healthcare workers, and extending the retirement age would ensure that expertise remains within the sector, helping younger practitioners benefit from knowledge transfer. He emphasized that building a resilient healthcare system depends not only on government reforms but also on the ethical conduct of medical practitioners, urging doctors to uphold professional standards to regain public trust and address the persistent brain drain.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare despite competing demands from other critical sectors like education and infrastructure. He called for continued dialogue and constructive engagement on matters relating to doctors’ welfare, adding that the state is gradually implementing a revised salary structure that promises better compensation for medical workers.

Meanwhile, NARD President Dr. Osundare Tope, represented by Vice President 1, Dr. Abdulrauf Tajudeen, commended Governor Otu for approving 70 percent of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in the state. He urged the state government to work toward achieving full parity with federal salary levels to help stem internal migration of healthcare professionals.

Dr. Emmanuel Ogar, Chairman of NARD in Cross River, also expressed gratitude for the state’s support of the association’s event in Calabar and extended an invitation to the governor to serve as the special guest of honour at their week-long conference.