The Federal Government has introduced a free healthcare initiative for low-income pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), targeting retirees earning ₦70,000 or less monthly.
The programme, known as PenCare, was launched by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable retirees and reduce the burden of rising medical expenses across the country.
According to PenCom, the pilot phase of the initiative is open to retirees aged 60 years and above who receive monthly pensions not exceeding ₦70,000 from their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Registration has already commenced for 30,000 eligible pensioners on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The National Pension Commission invites retirees under the CPS to enrol in the free healthcare initiative, PenCare,” the commission said in a statement.
PenCom explained that the scheme is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive aimed at improving the welfare, dignity, and wellbeing of pensioners nationwide.
“PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by reducing the burden of medical expenses,” the commission added.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the financial and health challenges faced by many retirees, particularly in accessing affordable medical care in the face of rising inflation and healthcare costs.
Analysts say the programme could provide significant relief for thousands of elderly Nigerians struggling with healthcare expenses.
PenCom also disclosed plans to expand the scheme beyond the pilot phase, noting that discussions are ongoing to extend coverage to more retirees under the pension system in the future.