‘A lot is being done to ensure continuous development of the healthcare sector’

Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA), is an initiative of Global Health Project and Resources in Partnership with Anadach group, designed to celebrate distinguished personalities and organizations which have contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian health sector.As the sixth edition of the awards holds today, the Project Director Dr. Wale Alabi spoke with The Guardian on what the event is about.
What prompted this award for excellence in the healthcare sector?
Prior to this award we noticed that there was really no platform in the country were individuals and organisations contributing to the growth and development of the healthcare sector are recognized. As practitioners with a vivid understanding of the challenges, strides and selfless services provided by various individuals and organisations within and outside the sector, we decided to create a reputable platform where they can be celebrated and encouraged to keep doing things that enhance continued development of the sector.

What edition of the award is this year’s?
This is the 6th edition. The award started in 2014 and up until the 5th edition, we have recorded great success with each edition surpassing the other.

What has the previous awards done for recipients and the public at large?
Over the years, recipients have enjoyed massive publicity which translates to increased mileage in business and they feel appreciated and fulfilled knowing that they are being recognized for their exceptional services to humanity. A ripple effect is created which ensures continuous improvement in quality, healthcare standards and innovations across different segments of the healthcare sector. By so doing the public benefits from the outcome.

What are you doing differently this time around to make the award better?
A lot is being done to ensure continuous development of the healthcare sector and engender stakeholders and the public to embrace the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA). We thrive on innovations and adopt change models in line with international best practices to meet the expectations of stakeholders and the public.

In addition, we’ve created a secured online voting portal which is user-friendly making it possible for everyone to participate in recognizing individuals and organisations who have made tremendous impact in the preceding year.

Our desire to measure up to international standard prompted the organisers to engage a forensic and award process verification expert, establish a technical committee on award criteria review, involve core stakeholders more vigorously in the areas of suggestions and feedbacks, admit distinguished personalities on the Advisory and Jury board. All these were done to sustain the confidence and credibility of the award.

Who are the people eligible to vote?
Nomination and voting are open to every member of the public not just stakeholders.

What are the criteria for these nominations?
There is the general and award category-specific criteria. Generally, you must have made positive impact (s) in healthcare that is verifiable and measurable, especially in the preceding year. For the award category-specific criteria, the requirements are tailored to suite that category.