The National Pension Commission has commenced the pilot phase of a free healthcare initiative aimed at improving the welfare of low income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The programme, known as PenCare, will provide healthcare support to eligible pensioners aged 60 years and above who receive monthly pensions not exceeding N70,000 from Pension Fund Administrators.
According to a statement issued on Friday, the initiative is designed as a Corporate Social Responsibility intervention to ease the financial burden of medical expenses on vulnerable retirees across Nigeria.
The commission disclosed that registration has begun for 30,000 beneficiaries nationwide, with enrolment operating on a first come first served basis. Eligible retirees are expected to apply through the PenCom website or via approved Pension Fund Administrator platforms.
PenCom described PenCare as a welfare focused programme aimed at preserving the dignity and well being of retirees by reducing out of pocket healthcare costs at a time when inflation and rising medical expenses continue to strain household incomes.
The initiative follows the inauguration of the PenCare Board of Trustees, with pioneer Director General of the commission, Muhammed Ahmad, appointed as chairman to oversee implementation of the healthcare scheme.
Officials say the programme is part of broader efforts to improve social protection for pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme and ensure access to quality healthcare for retirees across the country.
Analysts note that the intervention comes at a time when many Nigerian pensioners are struggling with rising living costs and limited access to affordable healthcare services.
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