Accra, May 14, GNA -The Society of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners has announced its maiden awards aimed at rewarding key players for their support to private health care.

The "Private and Dental Awards" formed part of activities to celebrate the Society's 40th anniversary to salute the private health industry for the hard work and dedication in overcoming challenges in private health delivery.

Ms Diana Pearl Teye-Noye, a member of the awards organizing committee said on Tuesday at the launch of the 40th anniversary in Accra, that the event would focus on the contributions of individuals and institutions whose creativity and innovation continued to set new and high standards of performance in healthcare delivery.

She explained that the awards would have categories for Pharmaceuticals, comprising the Pharmaceutical Company of the Year and Trusted Pharmaceutical Brand Award in addition to some for healthcare service providers and the health oriented media.

The criteria for selection however, she said, were yet to be discussed by the organizing committee.

She expressed the hope that the award would help reshape activities of private medical and dental practice in the country and called for sponsorship from corporate bodies to make it a success.

Dr. Edward Abbah-Foli, National Chairman of the Society, said the anniversary which would be celebrated on the theme: "40 years of Private Medical and Dental Practice in Ghana" would provide practitioners the opportunity to take stock of achievements and reflect on ways for improvement.

He said a survey has confirmed that private medical practitioners cared for over 40 per cent of patients in the country and its provision to quality and timely health care were also encouraging.

The sector was now facing challenges in staffing as a result of improved conditions of service in public health institutions that has made working in private health institutions not lucrative.

Dr Abbah-Foli mentioned other challenges as difficulty in overseeing the professional activities of members of the Society and the re-registration of existing clinics in order to be permanently accredited to the National Health Insurance Scheme.

On achievements, he said, the Society had initiated a pilot project to construct 40 new hospitals and clinics, four in each region, for younger doctors to stem their drift for greener pastures. Mr Abdul Salifu, General Manager of the Business and Financial Times, sponsors of the event, said the Company's support was in fulfilment of its social responsibility to improve health care.