The National Pension Commission has commenced the pilot phase of a free healthcare initiative for low-income pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme, with registration now open for 30,000 retirees nationwide.

The commission, in a notice issued on Friday, said the initiative, known as PenCare, is designed for retirees aged 60 years and above who earn monthly pensions of not more than N70,000 from Pension Fund Administrators.

PenCom stated that the programme would operate on a first-come, first-served basis and urged eligible retirees to register through its website or the websites of Pension Fund Administrators. “The National Pension Commission invites retirees under the CPS to enrol in the free healthcare initiative, PenCare,” the commission stated.

It added, “If you are at least 60 years old and receive a monthly pension not more than N70,000 from a Pension Fund Administrator, you qualify for this pilot phase.”

The commission disclosed that registration had commenced for up to 30,000 eligible retirees, directing applicants to visit the PenCom website or PFA platforms for enrolment. According to the notice, the programme is being introduced as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to ease healthcare costs for pensioners.

“PenCare is a CSR project dedicated to preserving your dignity and well-being by reducing the burden of medical expenses,” PenCom stated.

The development comes amid growing concerns about the welfare of retirees in Nigeria, particularly pensioners facing rising medical bills and inflation that has eroded purchasing power.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the National Pension Commission inaugurated the Board of Trustees for PenCare, the Pension Industry Healthcare Initiative, with the pioneer Director-General of the Commission, Muhammed Ahmad, named chairman.

According to PenCom, PenCare is a healthcare programme created to ensure retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme have access to quality healthcare.