MAKURDI (SUNDIATA POST)- The Benue Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), has appealed to Gov. Hyacinth Alia to approve free medical care for retirees in the state.
Mr Michael Vembe, the state Chairman of the NUP made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Makurdi.
Vembe said that the union had recently appealed to Alia on the essence of free medical treatments to pensioners, emphasising that such services would enhance the lives of pensioners.
The chairman noted that pensioners usually suffer from one age-related ailment or the other which require constant treatment.
The chairman said that the gesture would increase the lifespan of the retirees, who often die for lack of proper medical attention compounded by poor pension administration.
“Beyond payments, pensioners also need proper welfare.
“Unlike young people who can adapt, pensioners are elderly and vulnerable.
“They deserve special attention,” Vembe said.
He noted that the Benue State University Hospital has opened a health centre that would need government support for pensioners to have free treatments at the centre.
“We are appealing to the government to include retirees on its health insurance scheme.”
Vembe thanked Alia for the regular payment of pension and gratuities to retirees. (NAN)
