On this special episode of the Pursuit of Health Podcast we embark on our first venture outside the US. Our guest, Sagie Pillay, comes to us from the city of Johannesburg in the amazing country of South Africa.

Mr. Pillay has an extensive worldwide education in healthcare policy and administration, and has studied on almost every major continent around the globe. He notably received his Masters in Health Economics, Management and Policy from London’s University of Leeds; a diploma in Senior Executive Leadership and Strategy from Harvard’s Business School; an MBA in Finance, Leadership and Change Management from Liverpool’s, London; and a degree in Adult Education from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa.

He has served South Africa and the African continent through many leadership roles, including as an academic researcher in Health Economics and Financing at the University of Natal Medical School; the Directorship for Hospital Management Decentralization at the National Department of Health in the nation’s capital of Pretoria; the CEO of the Kimberly Hospitals Complex for the Department of Health and Welfare in the Northern Cape; the CEO of the National Health Laboratory Services; and the Founding Executive Director of the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). He currently is the Chief Operations Officer at Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa.

In Part 1 of this 3-part episode, Mr. Pillay takes us through the history of independence and rebirth of his nation in 1990-1991 from the unique perspective of a healthcare leader on the frontlines. He shares the excitement and apprehensions during the first elections held by the leading party - the African National Congress - in this reborn nation.

Now three decades later, he looks honestly upon his remarkable professional journey. Initially the concept of a personal future and his own career were not a priority as he and his compatriots put any pretense of self-fulfillment on hold until they could establish equitable self governance for everyone.

Mr. Pillay emphasizes the unique evolution of the South African healthcare system as a critical part of the formation of this new government. Primary healthcare was intentionally positioned at the base of this system to address the needs of the majority and support the key elements of South Africa’s unique Freedom Charter. Most importantly, he recognizes that the resilience and strength of the country’s society was founded on a Trust established through a robust Public Health system.

Mr. Pillay’s reflections on his first ventures away from academia and into public service through an unexpected leadership role in the new government are simultaneously filled with irony and gratitude. He shares the surprising story of his entry into the hospital system at the national level that forever changed his career path and helped shape the fortunes and well-being of his people.

He credits the success of this now 30 year old reborn nation and his career to an approach and attitude that elevates and supports the Collective will and abilities of many individuals from different backgrounds and beliefs. By establishing Trust through such a Team Approach he believes South Africa is prepared to continue forward in the face of any odds.

Dr. Fethke and Mr. Pillay conclude the first part of this discussion by recognizing the commonalities between South Africa and the US in their mutual struggles for healthcare reform. They both conclude that these two relatively young nations have much wisdom to share with each other and the world at this pivotal time.

On the upcoming Part 2 of Episode 15, Mr. Pillay teach

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Ep15 (part 1) - Building Healthcare Systems in South Africa, Sagie Pillay

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