National Pension Commission has begun the pilot phase of a free healthcare programme for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, with registration opened for 30,000 pensioners nationwide.

In a notice issued on Friday, the commission said the initiative, known as PenCare, targets retirees aged 60 years and above who receive 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 advised eligible retirees to register through its official website or through the platforms of their Pension Fund Administrators.

“The National Pension Commission invites retirees under the CPS to enrol in the free healthcare initiative, PenCare,” the commission said.

According to the notice, the programme is being introduced as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative aimed at reducing the burden of medical expenses for pensioners.

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

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the welfare of retirees in Nigeria, especially pensioners struggling with rising healthcare costs and inflation.

Earlier, National Pension Commission inaugurated the Board of Trustees for PenCare, with Muhammed Ahmad appointed as chairman.

PenCom said the healthcare programme was designed to ensure retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme have access to quality medical care.