Concerns are mounting among residents across several Ebonyi communities who claim they are being charged fees despite the state government’s promise of free healthcare services under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s Primary Health Care (PHC) Insurance Scheme.
Community members from Ogagbi, Ndufu Echara, Item Amagu, and Odomowo Inyimegu in Ebonyi’s local government areas have shared troubling accounts suggesting that officials at some Primary Health Care centers are demanding payments for medical services that should be covered under the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA).
Martha Nwali, a mother from Ogagbi in Ikwo LGA, described the insurance program as a “scam“, sharing that despite being told services were free, she has repeatedly paid for care.
“When I gave birth, I paid. Even my child’s immunization cost me ₦5,500,” she said.“I’ve visited the PHC at least five times since getting the insurance card, and every time I paid something.”
Igwe Chisom, another resident, recounted a similar experience:
“After registering for the EBSHIA card, I was told the program hadn’t started yet. But I still had to pay for malaria and typhoid treatments. I spent ₦15,000 when I gave birth at a local facility. It’s disheartening.”
While these allegations have caused significant frustration, health facility officials deny wrongdoing. Mrs. Janet Nwalobu, the Officer-in-Charge at one of the implicated PHCs, insisted, “We do not charge EBSHIA cardholders for treatments. Fees are only collected from non-cardholders, and these are minimal—usually below ₦1,500 for malaria treatment, and no more than ₦5,000 for delivery.”
Inside sources from the healthcare community, however, have revealed that some mothers rush through outreach immunization programs to avoid paying fees at PHCs.
The problem appears widespread, extending beyond a single community. Poor communication infrastructure in rural areas further complicates residents’ ability to report irregularities or seek redress. One resident explained:
Many villagers don’t have the hotline number, and even if they do, network coverage is unreliable. So the problem continues unchecked.”
Dr. Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, acknowledged that while the majority of services are delivered without extra charges, there are isolated cases of corruption. “We take these reports seriously and have suspended facilities based on verified complaints,” he stated. “We recently updated ID cards with new contact information and urged residents to report any demands for unofficial payments. It’s a collective responsibility to end this malpractice.”
The controversy underscores the gap between policy promises and the lived experiences of Ebonyi residents. As the state pushes for expanded healthcare coverage under Governor Nwifuru’s administration, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and improving communication channels remain critical to restoring public trust.
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