The Ubazuoha Charity Foundation (UCF) Monday launched its 2026 free medical outreach in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, clearing hospital bills exceeding N20 million.
The foundation treated more than 2,000 patients within three days and distributing food and cash support to beneficiaries.
The large-scale intervention, held at the Ishiagu Civic Centre, was convened by the foundation’s founder, Chief Ernest Ndukwe, to mark his 39th birthday.
Ndukwe, a businessman and philanthropist said he chose service over celebration as an expression of gratitude to God.
Ndukwe said the initiative was inspired by his upbringing in Ishiagu and the hardships faced by vulnerable residents.
“I grew up here and understand what many elderly people go through without support; in my own way, I decided to help bridge that gap.
“Our target was about 3,000 patients; we structured the programme so that beyond medication, beneficiaries will also receive food items to support recovery,” Ndukwe said.
He said that the foundation included food support because effective treatment required adequate nutrition, noting that each patient received bags of rice after medical consultations.
“Medical services include laboratory tests such as hepatitis B screening and malaria diagnosis, while complex cases are documented and referred to specialist hospitals.
He clarified that the foundation undertook to fund advanced treatments where necessary.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Daniel Okorie, said more than N20 million was raised through voluntary donations from friends and associates.
“Donations came in immediately the outreach was announced; as of this morning, we have recorded over N20 million,” he said.
Okorie disclosed that cheques were issued to offset outstanding hospital bills of indigent patients, including some detained in medical facilities over unpaid charges.
He said organisers initially projected 500 beneficiaries, later increased the number to 1,000, but scaled up logistics after turnout exceeded expectations.
“So far, over 2,000 patients have been treated, with several referred for specialist care; selected beneficiaries also received direct cash grants ranging from several hundred thousand naira to N1 million to address urgent medical and personal needs,” he added.
Chief Gilbert Ajaeze, a community leader, described the initiative as a model for other well-meaning indigenes.
“He is not the richest among us, yet he chose to use his resources to wipe tears and restore hope; this is a meaningful way to celebrate,” he said.
A cleric, Revd. Uchenna Oti commended the foundation’s compassion-driven approach and urged others to emulate the initiative.
Mrs Ruth Ndukwe said the outreach reflected Christian values centred on compassion and service.
Some of the beneficiaries, Margaret Eze, Oyidie Uka and Ivo Ukachukwu praised the foundation for coming to their aids and the medical assistance as life-saving.
Our correspondent reports that organisers said the programme, supported by medical personnel and an ambulance for emergencies, would become an annual intervention, with follow-up on referred cases and expanded empowerment schemes planned for later in the year.
