Chief executive officer and medical director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Otukpo, Dr Mark A.C. Ogbodo, has urged the federal government to address the welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria urgently.
He stated this shortly after he was conferred with an award of excellence by the Abuja Media Practitioners in Abuja on Tuesday.
The award recognised him as a media ambassador and the most friendly, innovative, and impactful young doctor and writer in recent times, a title that reflects his dual passion for both healthcare and public engagement.
Ogbodu stressed that without deliberate efforts to improve conditions, the country risks a more profound crisis in its health sector due to the mass exodus of medical professionals.
On the award, Dr Ogbodu expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and used the moment to shed light on what inspired his journey into healthcare entrepreneurship.
According to him, the vision to build Lydia Memorial Hospital was born out of a lifelong ambition to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s health infrastructure.
“Growing up, one of my ambitions was to build facilities and projects in the health sector, my area of professional calling.”
He also envisioned supporting improvements in Nigeria’s security and education sectors. “I had to start from somewhere. So, I began in Otukpo, a rural area that reflects many of the challenges common in underserved regions. It was important for me to contribute where help is needed the most.
“It’s about building something sustainable, something that expands access and quality. We want to go beyond Otukpo and replicate this model across the country,” he added.
Regarding the most significant issue currently facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, Dr Ogbodu pointed unambiguously to brain drain.
According to him, the flight of trained professionals, doctors, lab scientists, and specialists, to other countries in search of better opportunities is crippling the sector.
“The most urgent issue is remuneration. The doctors who are still here are overworked. Many are discouraged. If we don’t improve welfare packages now, we will lose more,” he warned.
He stressed that the government must act swiftly to provide incentives, career growth opportunities, and working conditions that can compete with those offered by foreign countries.
On integrating technology and innovation into healthcare delivery, Dr Ogbodu emphasised that Lydia Memorial Hospital is already taking deliberate steps in that direction.
He revealed that the hospital consults regularly with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and federal and state health ministries to ensure compliance and adopt cutting-edge practices.
“With that level of cooperation and scrutiny, we have been able to stay ahead. Our hospital is the first in the state to be approved as a goading centre or treatment centre. That speaks volumes about our commitment to innovation,” he said.
He further maintains that his vision is far from complete. He sees Lydia Memorial Hospital not just as a medical facility but as a model for what is possible when professionals take initiative and the government supports local ingenuity.
Earlier, the group’s secretary, David Torough, speaking on behalf of the professionals, reiterated their commitment to recognising and encouraging individuals making positive impacts in their communities.
He said the group has closely monitored Dr. Ogbodo’s activities over time and is pleased to recognise him as one of the most media-friendly, innovative, and impactful young doctors and writers in recent times, particularly in Benue State.
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