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…Targets 30,000 in pilot scheme
From Bimbola Oyesola,
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has launched a major healthcare intervention for low-income retirees, unveiling a free medical support initiative expected to benefit 30,000 pensioners in its pilot phase under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The initiative, branded “PenCare,” was announced in a statement issued on Friday, with the Commission describing the programme as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of retired Nigerians struggling with rising healthcare expenses.
Under the scheme, retirees aged 60 years and above who earn monthly pensions of N70,000 or less from any licensed Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) are eligible to participate in the programme.
PenCom noted that the enrolment exercise has officially commenced nationwide and will operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, warning that only 30,000 beneficiaries would be accommodated during the pilot rollout.
“Registration is now open for up to 30,000 eligible retirees on a first-come, first-served basis,” the Commission stated, urging pensioners to take immediate advantage of the opportunity before the available slots are exhausted.
The Commission directed interested retirees to register by scanning the barcode published in national newspapers and other official communication channels or by visiting PenCom’s website as well as the websites of licensed PFAs.
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According to PenCom, the PenCare initiative was specifically designed to reduce the crushing burden of medical bills confronting elderly citizens after retirement, especially those surviving on modest monthly pensions.
“PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by reducing the burden of medical expenses,” the Commission declared in the statement.
The development has generated widespread interest among pension industry stakeholders, many of whom described the intervention as timely in view of worsening economic realities and escalating healthcare costs across the country.
Analysts noted that thousands of retirees under the CPS framework often rely solely on their monthly pensions for survival, leaving many vulnerable to untreated illnesses and inadequate healthcare access.
A pension expert, Dr. Tunde Afolayan, said the initiative could significantly improve healthcare inclusion among senior citizens. “This is a commendable intervention because healthcare has become one of the biggest challenges facing retirees, particularly those on low income,” he said.
Economic observers also argued that the scheme reflects growing efforts by PenCom to strengthen social protection mechanisms and deepen welfare support for pensioners beyond routine pension payments.
Many retirees have long complained about the increasing cost of medications, hospital consultations, and diagnostic services, with some forced to depend on relatives or charitable support to meet their medical needs.
PenCom reiterated that retirees’ welfare remains a top priority for the Commission, stressing that access to affordable healthcare is critical to ensuring a secure, stable, and dignified retirement life for senior citizens.
“PenCare: Your health, our priority,” the Commission declared, while appealing to media organisations, labour groups, PFAs, and stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage eligible retirees to enrol for the programme before the pilot phase reaches capacity.
