The Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Otukpo, Dr. Mark Ogbodo, has urged the Federal Government to address the welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria as a matter of urgency.
He urged the Federal Government to act swiftly by providing better incentives, structured career growth opportunities, and conducive working environments that can rival international standards.
Dr. Ogbodo disclosed this in Abuja shortly after receiving an Award of Excellence from the Abuja Media Practitioners.
The award, which recognised him as a Media Ambassador and the Most Friendly, Innovative, and Impactful Young Doctor and Writer in Recent Times, highlighted his unique contributions to healthcare and public discourse.
He stressed that without deliberate efforts to improve conditions, the country risks a deeper crisis in its health sector due to the mass exodus of medical professionals.
Ogbodo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and used the moment to reflect on his journey in healthcare entrepreneurship.
According to him, his inspiration for establishing Lydia Memorial Hospital stemmed from a lifelong ambition to transform Nigeria’s health infrastructure, starting with underserved areas like Otukpo.
He said, “Growing up, one of my ambitions was to build facilities and projects in the health sector, my area of professional calling. 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.”
Ogbodo was unequivocal in identifying brain drain as the most pressing issue confronting the nation’s healthcare system.
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.
He added, “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.
“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 designated centre for treatment. That speaks volumes about our commitment to innovation.”
He further maintains that his vision is far from complete, as 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.
On the integration of 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) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), as well as federal and state ministries of health, to ensure compliance and adopt cutting-edge practices.
In his remarks, David Torough, Secretary of the Abuja Media Practitioners, praised Dr. Ogbodo for his consistent engagement and innovative contributions, particularly within Benue State.
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.”
