The National Pension Commission has introduced a free healthcare programme for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, with registration now open for 30,000 pensioners across the country.
In a statement released on Friday, the commission said the initiative, known as PenCare, is targeted at retirees aged 60 years and above who receive monthly pensions of not more than seventy thousand naira through Pension Fund Administrators.
PenCom explained that the programme would be implemented on a first-come, first-served basis and advised qualified pensioners to enrol through its official website or the platforms of their Pension Fund Administrators.
According to the commission, the healthcare initiative is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts aimed at easing the financial burden of medical care on retirees and improving their welfare.
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The commission noted that PenCare was created to support pensioners by giving them access to quality healthcare services while helping to reduce rising medical expenses.
The development comes at a time many retirees are struggling with increasing healthcare costs and the effects of inflation on their income.
PenCom also recalled the inauguration of the Board of Trustees for the healthcare initiative, with former Director-General of the commission, Muhammed Ahmad, serving as chairman.
The commission urged eligible retirees to take advantage of the programme before the available slots are filled.
