The National Pension Commission has launched the pilot phase of a free healthcare programme for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, with registration opened for 30,000 pensioners across Nigeria.
In a notice released on Friday, the commission said the initiative, called PenCare, targets retirees aged 60 and above who receive a monthly pension of not more than N70,000 from Pension Fund Administrators.
PenCom explained that the scheme will operate on a first-come, first-served basis and advised eligible retirees to apply via its official website or through Pension Fund Administrators’ online platforms.
“The National Pension Commission invites retirees under the CPS to enrol in the free healthcare initiative, PenCare,” the commission stated.
“If you are at least 60 years old and receive a monthly pension of not more than N70,000 from a Pension Fund Administrator, you qualify for this pilot phase.”
The commission added that registration has begun for up to 30,000 beneficiaries, directing applicants to complete their enrolment through PenCom or PFA portals.
It described the programme as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at reducing the financial burden of healthcare on retirees.
“PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by reducing the burden of medical expenses,” PenCom stated.
The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over the welfare of retirees in Nigeria, particularly those struggling with rising healthcare costs and inflation that has reduced purchasing power.
Report states earlier that PenCom inaugurated the Board of Trustees for PenCare, the Pension Industry Health Care Initiative, with the pioneer Director-General of the commission, Muhammed Ahmad, appointed as chairman.
PenCom said the PenCare scheme is designed to ensure retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.