PenOp partners Orange Health, Legus Foundation on free healthcare for pensioners
The Pension Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), the umbrella association of all pension fund operators in Nigeria, has partnered the Orange Health and Legus Foundation to deliver free treatment to 1000 elderly people, majority of who are pensioners, to commemorate the World Elderly Day celebrated recently.
Code named Project Gray 2.0, the week-long exercise, which lasted between Monday, October 5 and Friday October 9 would saw about 1000 elderly people from 60 years and above treated of various ailments such as prostate cancer, hernia, breast lump, diabetics, and general surgeries conducted by specialist surgeons, gynecologists, oncologists, nurses and other medical experts.
The retirees on the Contributory Pension Scheme are majorly the beneficiaries of this noble initiative who have expressed appreciation to pension operators for the gesture.
According
to one
of
the retirees who declined his name be mentioned, that noted that the new pension scheme couldn’t have been better. He said even when his pension has been paid regularly by his PFA, they have gone out of their way in giving them free treatment of this magnitude.
“My sincere appreciation goes to PenOp for inviting me to partake in this programme . I have been diagnosed of diabetese and the doctors have told me what to do next, which of course, the organizers are going to take financial responsibility for the entire treatment. I am glad and I give thanks to God for making it happen right in my presence. It couldn’t have been better,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of PenOp, Susan Oranye, said that the significance of Project Gray 2.0 cannot be overemphasized as it focuses on the health and wellbeing of the elderly. Operators understand that having a pension benefit to fall back on in retirement and good health is the main focus of many elderly men and women. It is this commitment to the wellbeing of old people that led to PenOp’s collaboration with the Orange Health Initiative in ensuring that these people have unhindered access to medical checkups and treatments for this week.
She said: “The Project Gray 2.0 is an initiative that celebrates the World’s Elders’ Day. Now, it is important that as a country and as a people we take care of our elderly and make sure that in retirement they can, at least, maintain a decent standard of living. This is the ethos that guides the pension system in the country.”
Oranye added that “PenOp is exceedingly excited about this programme because this project marks the kickoff of the first geriatric hospital in Nigeria and this is something we are passionate about.
Acknowledging the creativity of the Orange Health Initiative headed by Dr. Kunle Megbuwawon, Oranye said the NGO is working very hard to focus on the welfare and the healthcare of the elderly and that the operators are keen to work with them.
She disclosed that the Orange Health Initiative had deployed specialist doctors from all over the country to take part in this programme and were also in partnership with Expartcare Health Ltd, a well structured HMO.
“This is the future of pension industry in Nigeria and that is why the operators are working so hard to ensure that they get as many people into the Contributory Pension Scheme so that when they retire they too will have funds to pay for their medical bills. We make sure that they are able to take care of themselves and their loved ones when they retire from active service.
“PenOp is passionate about this programme because a country that does not cater for its elderly does not respect its history enough. We believe Project Gray 2.0 is a worthy cause that deserves our support. Operators have already sent in over 250 retirees to be checked and treated in this programmes.” the Executive Secretary added.
Dr Kola Adeyina, the Chairman of Legus Foundation and founder of Veteran Hospital located in the Lagos Metropolis where the elders are currently receiving treatment, said that the project slated to last for one week is conducted by specialists from different medical callings.