The National Pension Commission has launched the pilot phase of a free healthcare initiative for low-income retirees under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme, opening registration for 30,000 pensioners nationwide.
The initiative, known as PenCare, targets retirees aged 60 years and above who receive monthly pensions of not more than ₦70,000 through Pension Fund Administrators.
In a notice issued on Friday, PenCom said enrolment would be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis through its website and participating Pension Fund Administrator platforms.
“The National Pension Commission invites retirees under the CPS to enroll in the free healthcare initiative, PenCare,” the commission stated.
It added:
“If you are at least 60 years old and receive a monthly pension of not more than ₦70,000 from a Pension Fund Administrator, you qualify for this pilot phase.”
According to the commission, the programme is being introduced as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at easing the growing burden of healthcare costs among vulnerable retirees.
“PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by reducing the burden of medical expenses,” PenCom said.
The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over the welfare of pensioners as inflation and rising healthcare costs continue to strain retirees’ purchasing power across the country.
PenCom further described PenCare as a healthcare support programme designed to ensure retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme have access to quality medical care.
The commission also announced that former PenCom Director-General, Muhammed Ahmad, will chair the programme’s implementation structure.
