Awards to honour healthcare workers who are a cut above

The Stronger Medicare Awards will recognise individual health practitioners as well as multi-disciplinary teams and practices across primary health care.

The awards will be launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday in Sydney, who said the gongs would be acknowledgement of outstanding service in the sector.

"Our nation owes an incredible debt to all those who dedicate their lives to protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of their fellow Australians," he said.

"As we celebrate 40 years of Medicare and all that is has delivered for Australia, let's also take time to celebrate the health workers who are the backbone of the system and the heroes of the pandemic."

Nominations for the awards will open in coming weeks, with the winners to be chosen by a panel of independent health experts.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Canberra in October.

Health Minister Mark Butler said while many people in the sector don't seek recognition, it was important for their work to be honoured.

"Doctors, nurses and other health professionals don't do the important work they do for the limelight, instead they are driven to improve the lives of their fellow Australians," he said.

"The Stronger Medicare Awards are one more way we can honour and say thanks for their effort and their excellence."

Australian Associated Press