LASHMA wins NHEA state government health insurance award for third time

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) for State Government Health Insurance of the Year, marking the third time the agency has received the prestigious recognition for outstanding health insurance service delivery in Nigeria.

The award was presented during the 12th edition of the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme, “Innovation, Local Manufacturing and Digital Transformation in Healthcare.”

Chairman of the NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, said the award platform, established in 2014, was designed to celebrate excellence, leadership, and outstanding performance in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

According to him, the 2026 edition recognized individuals and institutions whose dedication and resilience have continued to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system despite prevailing challenges.

Omolola noted that nominees were selected through research, public voting, and rigorous evaluation conducted by an independent advisory board.

“Every nomination is based on credibility,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the event, he stated that healthcare delivery has evolved significantly and is now driven by innovation, strategic partnerships, artificial intelligence, local manufacturing of medical devices, and sustainable financing.

He added that these factors now form the foundation for resilient healthcare systems.

Presenting the award to LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, congratulated the agency for emerging as the winner among five nominees.

Olugbile urged the agency to intensify efforts toward developing more innovations capable of accelerating the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Lagos State.

He stressed that more work remained to ensure Lagos residents have unhindered access to affordable, quality, and equitable healthcare services.

Responding, Zamba expressed appreciation to the NHEA organizers for recognizing LASHMA’s contributions to the health insurance sector.

She also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, partners, philanthropists, and other stakeholders for their support.

Zamba further thanked Lagos residents and all who voted for the agency, assuring that LASHMA would continue to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare services for all residents regardless of socioeconomic status.

LASHMA previously won the State Government Health Insurance of the Year award in 2023, shared the honour with Katsina State in 2025, and has now reclaimed the award in 2026.