The Lagos State Government on Saturday said its pensioners above 60 years would from April this year begin to enjoy free health Insurance scheme.
Folashade Onanuga, Director General of the Lagos State Pension Commission, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
According to her, the facility would be accessible in all the state General Hospitals, Primary Healthcare Centres and private hospitals.
Onanuga said: “The State Government will be responsible for the payment of the premium, which will be renewed yearly.
“We have put in place mechanisms that will enable us pay for the premium of all the pensioners that had been enrolled for the scheme by March.
“And by April, the pensioners can begin to access the scheme.”
Onanuga, who said that registration of the beneficiaries had commenced, added
that the scheme would be an annual insurance cover for the pensioners.
The director general said the scheme would not currently cover pensioners below 60 years because they were considered as still active and should therefore cater for themselves.
Onanuga, however, said pensioners below 60 years who were interested in the scheme are free to enroll and make their payments as individuals or register their family.
She said: “As a State Government, we do not encourage lackadaisical attitude on the part of our residents or citizens.
“At age 53, which is the life expectancy age, one is still very active.
“Globally, the beneficiaries of such social securities are from 60 years and above.
“Nigeria, as a developing economy, hoping to achieve the status of a developed economy, should not be seen dragging the world back.
“We encourage our citizens to be agile and add value, not liability on the society.”
According to Onanuga, plans are also underway for the pensioners to soon begin enjoying free transportation in all the Lagos metropolitan buses and ferry.
NAN.
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