By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA—NO fewer than 44,000 people from 22 communities in Anambra Central senatorial zone  have been registered to benefit from free medical treatment and care being sponsored by Mr Ferdinand Nwankwo, under his Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Foundation, FDN.

The gesture, which is part of the foundation’s second phase free medical mission, enabled the beneficiaries to be treated of various eye ailments, while those who required glasses were provided one.

Similarly, those with very serious eye defects that required operation were referred to a designated hospital for surgery.

Nwankwo, a Port Harcourt-based philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Fedoz Oil and Gas Services Ltd, said he was motivated by the need to give back to the society part of his blessings.

According to the manager of the Foundation, Mr Law Ugwunna, the medicare is just one arm of the poverty alleviation schemes being undertaken by Nwankwo.

He added  that the philanthropist also awards university scholarship to the needy in the area.

Ugwunna noted that Nwankwo recentlly embarked on distribution of free exercise books to students and pupils in primary and secondary schools, granted some widows financial support and micro-credit scheme, and gave out 200 Keke NAPEP to youth and other citizens

He also noted that he (Nwankwo) had earlier donated a Hilux Jeep to his community’s vigilance service to ensure security of lives and property in the area.

He assured that the medical scheme would be extended to other communities in the state.

The head of the medical team, Dr Jema Igwe, said the turnout had been overwhelming and gratifying for the intentions of the benefactor who, she believed, was out to put smiles on the faces of the people in the state and urged other

The medical team comprises three consultant ophthalmic surgeons, lab scientist, seven optometrists, three ophthalmic nurses and three ophthalmic assistants.