By David Torough, Abuja

The Benue State Government has officially approved Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, as a focal hospital for the treatment of infectious diseases, making it the first private hospital in the state to receive such recognition.The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr.

Yanmar Ortese, announced the approval while receiving the hospital’s management team, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director, Dr. Mark Ogbodo, during a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday.Dr. Ortese commended Dr. Ogbodo for maintaining high professional standards and delivering quality healthcare services.”I was very impressed with the report from the supervision team I sent to your hospital. Based on their positive assessment, I had no option but to approve Lydia Memorial Hospital as a focal hospital for infectious disease treatment. This makes it the first private hospital in Benue State to achieve this status,” he stated.He encouraged Dr. Ogbodo to continue upholding professional ethics, assuring that the government remains committed to combating medical quackery and promoting quality healthcare services.”I urge you to remain dedicated to the ethics of the medical profession, as the sky will only be your lower limit,” Ortese added.The Commissioner emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government and private health institutions to improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas.”This award will spur me to do even more for both the private health sector and the state’s healthcare system at large. We are committed to sustaining high standards and will continue to foster collaborations that enhance healthcare delivery across Benue State,” Dr. Ortese remarked.He also expressed optimism that the government would provide more support to private hospitals to ease their operational burdens and improve service delivery.In his remarks, Dr. Mark Ogbodo praised Dr. Ortese for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support for private healthcare providers.”Your leadership is a source of inspiration, and your kindness to Lydia Memorial Hospital will always be remembered and cherished,” Dr. Ogbodo said.Dr. Ogbodo particularly thanked the Commissioner for approving Lydia Memorial Hospital as a focal center for infectious disease treatment, describing the approval as a historic milestone for private healthcare in Benue State.”This approval is not just a recognition of our efforts but also a motivation to continue striving for excellence in healthcare delivery,” he added.As part of the visit, Dr. Ogbodo on behalf of the management team, presented an Award of Excellence to Dr. Ortese in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare in Benue State and Nigeria.”This award is a token of our appreciation for your exceptional leadership, your commitment to medical excellence, and the many courtesies extended to Lydia Memorial Hospital,” Dr. Ogbodo stated.There was a renewed commitment from both parties to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve healthcare access and quality across the state.