The 10th edition of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) was held on Friday, 21 June 2024, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The prestigious event recognised 35 individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the Nigerian healthcare sector.
The evening was a celebration of innovation, dedication, and excellence in healthcare, attended by key stakeholders, medical professionals, and dignitaries from across the country.
Three distinguished individuals received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong dedication and impact on healthcare. They are Chief Varkey Verghese, MFR, founder of Jawa Group of companies, was honoured for his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and his numerous philanthropic activities; Dr Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, managing director of Fidson Healthcare Plc, was recognisd for his pioneering innovations and leadership in pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nigeria, and Professor Uche Veronica Amazigo was awarded for her exceptional work in public health and her contributions to combating neglected tropical diseases.
The following individuals and organisations were also given Special Recognition Awards for excelling in specific areas of healthcare. They include, Dr Benjamin Anyanwu, executive medical director of Regions Healthcare, was honoured for his excellence in Neuroscience and advancing neurological care, and Smile Train Inc. received recognition for their impactful initiative of installing solar power systems, including inverters and batteries, in hospitals across Nigeria, ensuring uninterrupted medical operations.
In the Special Diaspora Excellence Award, was presented to Dr Muktar Aliyu, Professor of Medicine and Health Policy at Vanderbilt University, for his significant contributions to global health, particularly in Nigeria, through research, training, and clinical care.
In his address, the Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr Anthony Omolola, highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating excellence in the healthcare sector. He emphasised the critical role of innovation, dedication, and collaboration in improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and reiterated NHEA’s commitment to fostering excellence and supporting initiatives that advance the health and well-being of Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards is not just an event; it is a movement towards better healthcare standards and practices in Nigeria,” said the chairman. “We are proud to honor these exceptional individuals and organizations whose work has had a lasting impact on our healthcare system.”
A significant highlight of this year's NHEA was the unprecedented tie in the Public Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year category. The honour was jointly awarded to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, and the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos.
The event was graced by several notable personalities, including the Emir of Songa, Dr Aliyu Yahaya, who served as the father of the day; Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-lmam; Commissioner of Health; Katsina State, Dr Bishir Gambo Saulawa; Dr. Pamela Ajayi, the President of Health Federation of Nigeria was represented by Pharm. Abimbola Adebakin, Founder of Advantage Health Africa; Claire Omatseye, Managing Director of JNCi; and Njide Ngele, Country Director of PharmAccess Foundation. Also present were Dr George Uduku – General Manager, West Africa – GE Healthcare; Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, publisher Pharmanews; Dr Femi Olugbile, former PS Lagos State Ministry of Health and member NHEA Advisory board among others. The Federal Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Ministry of Health were well represented.
The NHEA 2024 was supported by PharmAccess Foundation, Sterling Bank, Nigeria Health Watch, and the Global Health Advocacy Initiative. Organized by Global Health Project & Resources in collaboration with Anadach Group USA, the event left an indelible mark on all attendees, reaffirming the importance of dedication, innovation, and service in the healthcare sector. NHEA 2025 will be held on June 27, 2025.
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