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By Oluseye Ojo
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has counselled medical and health workers as well as other professionals on how to have a secure and fulfilling life after active service to guide against miserable life after retirement.
The counsel was given during the scientific conference of the association, with the theme: ‘ After the final rounds: Finding fulfilment post retirement’ held at the NMA House, Total Garden, Ibadan, yesterday.
The event featured speakers, including NMA Oyo State Chairman, Dr. Happy Adedapo, retired Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and immediate past president of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Emmanuel Otolorin, and the President of the Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria (CPCN), Prof Olaitan Soyannwo,
Adedapo noted the need for medical professionals to focus on their own long-term well-being.
“As medical practitioners, we give so much to society, but we often neglect our own futures.”
He emphasised that younger generations must begin preparing for retirement early, particularly in a society that does not prioritise the needs of retirees.
Adedapo also stated: “We believe the younger generation should start preparing towards retirement, especially in a society that does not really pay a premium to the life of retirees.
“As somebody that has to take care of ageing parents, I know what some of them go through when it comes to this aspect of verifications, waiting for the government to give them what truly belongs to them, and their due rights.
“This is why it is apt at this juncture to sensitise our members to start preparing for retirement and not wait for pension at the end of the day. It’s not as if the pension, when it comes, is not good. Doctors can actually look into post-retirement.”
The keynote speaker, Prof. Otolorin, echoed the sentiment by stressing the importance of proactive planning.
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“Don’t wait until it’s too late to start preparing for retirement. The pension scheme in Nigeria is inadequate, with doctors receiving small salaries that won’t sustain a decent living post-retirement.”
Otolorin encouraged physicians to explore alternative income sources, including real estate, agriculture, and investment in stocks. “But just make sure you have a plan. And don’t rely on children maintaining you. It doesn’t work that way anymore.
“The children of these days have their numerous problems. And parents are even helping them to solve some of those problems. So, you have to prepare for yourself.
“Many of us are beneficiaries of inheritance from our parents. You should do the same for your own children by investing while you still have the energy.
“Nobody prays to say, I won’t have hypertension. But it can come. Well, ageing comes with certain health issues, some of which include arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, and cancer.
“You have to think that this can happen to you. And for that reason, you need to plan ahead and also go for routine checkups.
“If you are healthy today, it doesn’t mean you’ll be healthy tomorrow. The earlier you know this, the better. If you have an early diagnosis, you have a better outcome for treatment.”
Prof. Soyannwo, who chaired the conference, reinforced the notion that retirement should not be feared if one has adequately prepared.
She stated that with careful planning and foresight, retirement could be a rewarding chapter of life rather than a source of regret.
Representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Health, University College Hospital, Ibadan and College of Nursing, who delivered goodwill messages, enjoined medical and healthcare workers to prioritise their retirement plans.
