Medical Mission: Reps member condemns attack on medical team, extends free medical services to Anambra LGs

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Chief Fernanda Nwankwo, Member representing Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency, has condemned the attack on a medical team conducting free medical services to his constituents.

Nwankwo said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugwu Ukwu on Monday that the unfortunate incident occurred on April 30 at Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA), venue of the free medical service.

He said, through the state coordinator of the Dozie Nwankwo foundation, Mr. Law Ugwunna, that unknown gunmen opened fire on the audience, wounding several people and prompting everyone at the venue to flee for their lives.

Nwankwo said that security forces have been adequately informed and involved so that investigation can commence, and he reassured the public that proactive measures are being taken to avoid future occurrences of such attacks.

He said that it is hoped that the state government and local government security agencies would work together to forestall such bad incidents in future and provide safer environment for residents to carry out their legitimate activities.

He assured that with the current security challenges being tackled, the medical outreach would proceed to the other five local government areas in Anambra central after the visit to Njikoka and Anaocha areas.

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Nwankwo said that medical care is a paramount services to humanity, and that the goal was to enhance the health of the people while minimising the expenses on the medical care for the people.

NAN reports that the 15th edition of the free medical and surgical outreach project of the foundation commenced in Enugw-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, on Wednesday April 27 and on April 28 at Abagana.

The medical mission also visited Adazi-Enu town hall on April 29 and Agulu community on April 30, all in  Anaocha local government area, where the security challenge occurred.

NAN report that the medical outreach would continue on Tuesday, May 3, at Ifitedunu and on May 4 at Ukpo communites at Dunukofia local government area.

NAN reports that other local government areas of Anambra central, namely Awka South, Awka North, Idemili North and Idemili South would be visited.

The medical mission would end on Wednesday, May 18.

Earlier, Nwankwo said that the free medical and surgical outreach by the Dozie Nwankwo Foundation is a pay back to the people for the confidence reposed in him to represent them in the Green Chamber.

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The Reps members said the gesture was borne out of the desire to give back to his people, dividends of governance in the area of good health services and assured them of unequalled representation at all times.

The head of the medical team, Dr. Jema Henry-Ibeh, explained that the present phase of the Medicare, which would last 21 days, would provide only eye, dental care and screening services.

Henry-Ibeh said that they would undertake over 100 Cataract Surgeries during the period.

She noted that its 15th phase would feature more than 50 medical volunteers, including consultants and  Ophthalmic Surgeons.

Also, he said that Ophthalmologists and Laboratory Scientists would be on ground to ensure a hitch-free exercise throughout the exercise.

Mrs Ngozi Imegwu, a benefiary, commended the foundation for its service to humanity and urged them not to relent because the service is of great value to the people of the area.

Mrs Thelma Okafor, a 70-year-old woman, said she is pleased that their son, Dozie, has continued to provide medical mission to the community for years now.

Okafor prayed for the sustenance of the goodwill gesture and for success in the benefactor’s political ambition.

Mr Chiadi Anatune, a 64-year man from the community, said that other political office holders or wealthy men in the community should emulate Nwankwo’s humanitarian gesture.

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“Apart from the medical mission, Dozie has commenced this free medical service, widow empowerment, youth development skills and support in education of the indigent persons long before he joined politics,”he said

Mrs Patricia Okoye, also one of the beneficiaries, commended Nwankwo for his generosity and benevolence.

She prayed for God to replenish his source.

NAN reports that majority of the beneficiaries are middle-aged person suffering most one eye problem or the other.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relation Officer of Anambra police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed to NAN that the attack in Agulu area on the day of the free medical services happened but not at the venue of the medical mission.

Ikenga said that the sound of gunshots by the unknown gunmen came from an attack on soldiers at a checkpoint in Agulu.

“There was no direct attack on the free medical mission at its venue. The sound of gunshots put fears in the mind of the beneficiaries and they fled for their lives,” Ikenga said. (NAN)

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