Residents seeking healthcare at some public hospitals in satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory have alleged persistent cash-only payment practices, raising concerns about transparency and compliance with the Federal Government’s cashless policy.
Some patients and caregivers alleged that they were required to pay cash for hospital cards, laboratory tests, drugs and other services, while some claimed they were not issued receipts. Others alleged that when cash was unavailable, they were directed to nearby Point-of-Sale operators or given private account details for transfers.
At Kubwa General Hospital, Mrs Halima Bature alleged that her family paid cash for a hospital card, laboratory tests and ward admission during an emergency. She further claimed that after they ran out of cash, they were directed to use a PoS machine and were not issued receipts.
At Bwari General Hospital, Mrs Vera Yunana alleged that staff demanded cash for admission and later provided a private account number when she insisted on making a transfer. She also alleged that nurses requested cash for drugs following her sister-in-law’s Caesarean section.
However, other patients at both hospitals said they had never experienced such practices. Some reported making payments through official channels and receiving receipts.
The development has also increased patronage for PoS operators around hospitals in Nyanya, Kubwa, Karu, Kuje and Bwari. Some operators said hospital users formed a significant portion of their customers.
Managements of Bwari and Kubwa General Hospitals denied knowledge of any payment diversion scheme and urged affected patients to provide evidence. The Medical Directors said complaint channels, including suggestion boxes, were available for reporting such incidents.
The Nigeria Customs Service also acknowledged concerns about payment processes at its Karu hospital and said it was strengthening electronic payment systems in line with the Federal Government’s cashless policy.
The service said PoS terminals were being deployed across key service points and stressed that official receipts were required for all payments. It added that night-shift transactions were documented and formally receipted the following morning.
For affected residents, the alleged cash-based practices raise concerns about accountability, traceability of payments and access to healthcare, particularly during emergencies.
