Abuja: Residents seeking healthcare in public hospitals across satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have alleged persistent cash-only payment practices. The allegations persist in spite of the Federal Government’s push for a cashless economy and increased adoption of electronic transaction platforms nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a survey found that some patients and caregivers at government-owned hospitals alleged they were required to pay cash for services, while some claimed receipts were not issued afterward. Some respondents further alleged that when cash was unavailable, they were directed to nearby Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators or given private account details for transfers, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
Mrs Halima Bature, one of the affected patients, alleged that her relative’s emergency admission at Kubwa General Hospital required cash payments throughout the treatment process, including for obtaining a hospital card, conducting laborat
ory investigations, and securing ward admission. Similarly, Mrs Odunayo Adebanji reported spending about N66,000 in cash during her son’s two-day admission at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Hospital, Karu, without receiving official receipts.
Mr Tayo Akinyemi, another caregiver at the NCS Hospital, expressed shock at paying cash for medical procedures and being directed to PoS operators for withdrawals, questioning if such practices were standard procedure. However, not all patients reported similar experiences, with some insisting payments were conducted through official channels and properly documented.
At Bwari General Hospital, Mrs Vera Yunana resisted cash payment demands for her sister-in-law’s admission and alleged that hospital personnel initially requested cash, eventually providing private account details. Yunana further alleged that requests for cash payments persisted even after a surgical procedure was recommended.
Meanwhile, PoS operators around hospitals are experiencing increased patrona
ge as patients and caregivers seek cash for hospital-related expenses. Hospital authorities, however, deny knowledge of any payment diversion schemes and request affected patients to provide evidence for investigation. They also emphasize the existence of complaint channels for patients to report such issues.
The NCS has acknowledged concerns and said efforts are underway to strengthen electronic payment infrastructure, aiming to align hospital payment processes with national cashless policy objectives. Despite these measures, for many patients, the issue raises questions about accountability and adherence to cashless payment reforms, while PoS operators continue to benefit from the ongoing demand for cash transactions.