Health
FG Launches Free Healthcare for Pensioners Earning Below ₦70,000
The Federal Government has rolled out 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 introduced by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to improve healthcare access for vulnerable retirees and reduce the burden of rising medical expenses.
According to PenCom, the pilot phase is open to retirees aged 60 years and above who receive monthly pensions of not more than ₦70,000 from Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Registration has 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 stated.
PenCom explained that the initiative is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at preserving the dignity, health, 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 development comes amid growing concerns over the welfare of retirees facing increasing healthcare costs and economic hardship across the country. Analysts say the programme could provide relief for thousands of elderly Nigerians struggling to access medical care.
PenCom also disclosed plans to expand the scheme beyond the initial phase, with discussions underway to extend healthcare coverage to more retirees under the pension system.
