The 11th edition of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) was held over the weekend, recognising trailblazers shaping the future of Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.

Themed: ‘Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening Health Systems through the SWAp Approach’, the event brought together dignitaries, healthcare professionals, innovators, and institutions, whose contributions continue to redefine standards of care, access, and service delivery nationwide.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako; the Lagos State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health; and the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, who received a Special Recognition Award for his administration’s transformative healthcare reforms.

In his opening address, Salako commended the awardees and nominees for their relentless pursuit of excellence despite prevailing challenges. “Tonight, we witnessed proof that our health sector is rich with talent, innovation, and resilience. These winners are the foundation of a stronger health system,” he said.

The night saw a range of awards presented across categories representing both public and private healthcare, innovation, financial services, and media. Sterling Bank Plc clinched the Outstanding Healthcare Financial Institution of the Year, while University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and Duchess International Hospital emerged as Public and Private Tertiary Healthcare Facilities of the Year, respectively.

Other notable winners were Ikorodu General Hospital (Public Secondary Facility of the Year), R-Jolad Hospital (Private Secondary Facility), Leadway Health Ltd. (Health Maintenance Organisation of the Year), The Bridge Clinic (IVF Service Provider of the Year), and EHA Clinics (Innovative Healthcare Service Provider of the Year).

In the diagnostics and laboratory services segment, backed by PharmAccess Foundation and DCL Laboratory Products Ltd., Orile Agege General Hospital was awarded the Most Active Public Facility on the SafeCare Quality Platform, while South Shore Women and Children’s Hospital received the Highest SafeCare Quality Score.

Cerba Lancet Nigeria took home the Laboratory Innovation & Quality Improvement Award, and MLS Samuel Aigbogun of NNPC Medicals, Mosimi, was honoured as Laboratory Professional of the Year.

The media category recognised Pharmanews Ltd. for Print Media Excellence and Nigeria Health Watch for Electronic Media Excellence, acknowledging the critical role of health journalism in shaping public awareness and advocacy.

Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, noted, “We are not just handing out awards, we are reinforcing a culture of quality, competitiveness, and commitment to saving lives.” His statement resonated deeply with the atmosphere of celebration and renewal.