The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), has criticised the exclusion of its members and other retired workers from accessing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The National Secretary of NUPCPS, Mr. John Bisan, expressed the union’s displeasure during a two-day Sensitisation and Enlightenment Workshop on the workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) held on Thursday in Lagos.
Bisan described the removal of pensioners from the NHIS as unfair and insensitive, stressing that retirees needed free healthcare the most due to age-related health challenges.
“I don’t know whether the Director-General of PenCom is aware that once you turn 60 or retire from service, you are removed from the NHIS,” he said.
“This is unjust. I cannot serve my country for 35 good years and then be told I’m no longer entitled to free healthcare. That is the period we need it most. Many of us are dying because we cannot afford tests or medication for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.”
He urged both the Federal and State Governments to emulate countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, where senior citizens enjoy free healthcare as part of social welfare policies.
Responding, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, said the commission had introduced a free healthcare initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Oloworaran, represented by Mr. Mutiu Muslim, Head of PenCom’s South-West Zonal Office, explained that the initiative formed a vital part of the commission’s social protection efforts aimed at safeguarding retirees’ dignity and improving their quality of life.
