- Nyesom Wike gave the nod for the release of ₦4 billion to clear outstanding debts from 2022 to 2024
- HMOs reportedly blamed missing account details for the delays
- More support for free healthcare: Pregnant women, children under five to benefit through upgraded PHCs.
The FCT Administration has said it will take action against Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) delaying payments to healthcare providers under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) involved in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) to pay up or face penalties.
This follows complaints by healthcare providers who say they haven’t received payments for services rendered under the scheme.
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The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, gave the nod for the release of ₦4 billion to clear outstanding debts from 2022 to 2024. The payments cover capitation and service fees owed to hospitals and clinics across the FCT. These funds were disbursed between late 2024 and mid-2025.
Some HMOs reportedly blamed missing account details for the delays, but the FCTA says that excuse is no longer acceptable. Officials said that moving forward, HMOs that fail to pay providers as scheduled will be sanctioned.
As part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, the administration has now accredited 100 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the six area councils of the FCT. These PHCs will serve as approved service points for the FHIS, making healthcare more accessible at the grassroots level.
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The scheme also now covers vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children under five, staff of the FCTA, and indigent residents. They are entitled to free registration and access to medical care. According to Ekohotblog, these services include antenatal check-ups, lab tests, medications, delivery, and even caesarean sections when necessary.
In cases requiring secondary or emergency care, services will be provided free of charge under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), with 14 general hospitals across the territory equipped to support such needs.
With the financial backlog cleared and enforcement plans in place, the FCTA says it is committed to building a more efficient and transparent health insurance system for residents of the capital.
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