Noguchi Memorial Institute , others awarded at WACAA

The Noguchi Memorial Institute was adjudged the overall best medical institution at the Fourth West African Clinical Alliance Awards (WACAA) held in Accra.

The institute was given the recognition for its leadership role in the diagnosis and research into the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.

Noguchi Memorial Institute diagnosed the first case of COVID-19 disease in Ghana in March 2020 and has since detected many cases in the country.

“They are best known for COVID-19 testing and research into infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana,” a citation in honour of the institute read.

Rationale

The Chief Executive of Corporate Health Ghana, Mr Abdulsalem Mohammed, said this year’s event was held specifically to celebrate the heroic contribution of health professionals and health centres in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Across the West African Sub Region, there has been a common trend that seeks to criticise and amplify the challenges and mistakes of health facilities and practitioners. This trend has made it difficult to recognise and appreciate the significant efforts and outstanding contribution of the facilities and professionals amidst very teething challenges” he said

Mr Mohammed stressed the need to recognise the heroic role of health professionals, doctors, nurses, lab technicians, paramedics and media who have contributed to improving healthcare delivery in the country, especially during the outbreak of the pandemic.

He commended the award winning institutions and the professionals who run them for the sacrifice and dedication to the health and wellbeing of citizens.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of Gaheb Events, organisers of the awards, Diana Opoku, entreated all health facilities in the country, both private and public, to “continue with the good work and maintain the goal of improving the good health and expanding life span of Ghanaians and the whole of Africa”

Other winners

At the ceremony, Sam J Fertility Hospital received an award for the Most Trusted Hospital of the Year while Zoe Royal Hospital snatched the Fertility and Reproductive Healthcare Centre of the Year.

The Trusted Fertility Clinic of the Year and the Outstanding Women Hospital of the Year went to Jaggrey’s Fertility and Natural Health Clinic and Egon German Clinic respectively while St John’s Hospital won the Trusted Women Hospital of the Year.

Mansowa Herbal Clinic and End Point Homeopathic Clinic won the Most Satisfying Natural Product Manufacturer of the Year and Most Trusted Natural Healthcare Centre of the Year respectively in the Herbal and Homeopathic Heath award category.

Holy Trinity Medical Centre won the Standout Health Centre in Patient Care Delivery; Sunshine Health Care Limited won the Most Trusted Diagnostic Centre; Deseret Hospital won the Trusted Private Hospital; and New Crystal Health Service Limited, the Outstanding Healthcare Centre of the year.

The rest are Lapaz Community Hospital, the Indigenous Private Hospital of the year; Tema Christian Eye Centre, Most Outstanding Eye Care Centre; Pantang Hospital, Most Outstanding Mental Health Care Centre; and HCE Ghana Limited, the Trusted Medical Supplier of the Year.