By Oyinkansola Oladokun and Florence Onuegbu in Lagos
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), has condemned the removal 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 exclusion as unfair and insensitive to the plight of senior citizens who had served the nation diligently during their active years.
According to him, it is during retirement that access to healthcare is most crucial, adding that many retirees often struggle with health challenges.
“I don’t know whether the Director-General of PENCOM is aware that once you retire or turn 60, you are removed from NHIS. Even at 55, once they know you’ve retired, you’re excluded.
This is unfair. I cannot serve my country for 35 good years and then be told I’m not entitled to free healthcare. That’s the period we need it the most.
“Many pensioners are dying because we can’t afford medical tests or drugs for ailments like hypertension, diabetes, and heart conditions,” he lamented.
Bisan called on the Federal and State Governments to reinstate free healthcare services for retirees, citing examples of countries like the United Kingdom and the United States where senior citizens enjoy healthcare support as part of social welfare.
Responding, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, said that a free healthcare access initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme had already been introduced.
Oloworaran, represented by Mr. Mutiu Muslim, Head of the South West Zonal Office of PENCOM, explained that the initiative was designed to promote social protection and uphold the dignity of retirees.
With Agency report.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
