The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has urged the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Eye Hospital in Abuja to consider giving free eye treatment to rural dwellers in the council.
Speaking after being conducted round the hospital on Wednesday, Maikalangu said that, as a result of the free eye care services to thousands of Nigerians, his administration will ensure that the hospital is not disturbed about tax payment of any kind.
He said: “I am overwhelmed and happy with your modest contributions to charity. I went round the hospital and saw many people from different parts of the country who are being treated here free of charge. This is apart from the thousands of people who have been previously treated and discharged without the hospital collecting a dime from them.
“Indeed, I am excited about the assistance you render to people free of charge, especially AMAC residents. As AMAC Chairman, I am desirous of partnering with you. There are people in rural areas that don’t have access or means to this place. Therefore, it is my wish that you will take eye medical care to them. We will pay for the cost so that you can be able to reach those in rural communities.
“Also, you complained of taxes as one of your challenges. I want to say here and now that, from today, nobody will disturb you about tax. I will ensure that a big board is mounted in the premises so that those who usually come to collect taxes will see that we have given you a waiver not to pay tax anymore.
“The hospital is doing a wonderful job in offering free eye care services to thousands of Nigerians and we have to support you in every way possible. Rest assured that we are happy with you at AMAC because of the thousands of lives you have touched, including drilling of boreholes and other humanitarian interventions.”
