Foryears,womenleadersinhealthcarehaveaimedto
providehigh-qualitycareandexceptionalpatient experiencesineveryreciprocalaction.However,to achievethisaimintheever-changingindustrylandscape consistentlychallengestheirabilitytodoso.Itiswhere womenleadersarecriticaltoaddressthesetransformative challengesanddrivethehealthcareindustryforward straightforwardly.
Womenleadersarepracticalandconstantlyfocusedon implementinggroundbreakingstrategiestoculturea groundedapproachwithwell-trainedclinicianstoalignthe goalsandworkprocess.Theyunderstandthecriticalaspect ofthisapproach,whichsolidifiestheorganizationtoimpact thepatienteffectively.TherecentsurgeoftheCOVID-19 pandemicdisruptedthehealthcareindustryonaneverbefore-seenlevel.However,womenleaderswereableto develop,achieve,andsustaintheoutcomesinaneffortto preventandcurethespreadofthevirussimultaneously
Womenleadersalwayshavehadadifferentperspectivein theinnovationandutilizationofvarioustechnologiesto provide the rightmetricstoverifyvitalsandmedication dosage,heightenedsafetyprecautions,newcaremeasures forspecificconditionstooptimizehealthcare.
Forgreaterconsistencyinthetransformativehealthcare industry,womenleadershaverecognizedthatonly communicativeandorganizationalchangeisn'tenough;itis vitaltounderstandthewhybehindthechange.Thisiswhy leadingwomeninhealthcareinvesttheirtimeandresources todeterminetocultivateaculturebasedonresponsibility.
Pioneeringleadersoftenfaceenormousregulatory pressures,relentlessadministrativedevelopments,whichis whytheyhavetoincludedataforinformeddecision
making,scalableinnovation,establishing organizationalalignment,andbuildingsuitable governancestructures.Timeandagain,women leadersaligntheirapproachtomatchtheincreasing demandofhealthcaretoconnecttheorganizational hospitalsandclinicianstodeliverexceptionalpatient caretolaythefoundationforthebettertomorrow.
Therefore,InsightsSuccessembarkedonajourney tofindleaderswhomadethemostwiththeir proficientknowledgeandexpertise.Inthiseditionof "The 10 Most Eminent Women Leaders in Healthcare, 2021," wearecherishingtheleaders whocreatedtheirsuccesstaleswithdedicatedefforts, courage,andfortitude.
Featuredinthiseditionaretheprovenwomen leadersinthehealthcareindustrywhohave contributedtothebettermentofhumankindwith theirpracticalexpertiseandtheirabilitytoinnovate andimprovewiththechangingtimestobecome idealsforthenextgeneration.
Diveintothiseditionforinspiringstoriesofeminent womenleadersandspreadthewordabouttheir contributiontomakethisworldabetterplace.
Whileflippingthroughthepages,makesuretoscroll throughthearticleswrittenbyourin-houseeditorial teamandCxOstandpointsofsomeoftheleading industryexpertstohavetheknow-howaboutthe industry.
Delvein!
sourabh@insightssuccess.com
Sourabh More
AlyeahE.Ramjit
AssociateDirector& ChiefofStaff
MountSinaiHealth System mountsinai.org
CathrinBowtell PRESIDENT CandidCare candidco.com
CarolynYarina CEO SisuGloba sisuglobal.health
DeniseJuliano
GroupVicePresident
PremierAppliedSciences
MylaMaloney
ChiefCommercialOfficer
PremierAppliedSciences
Premier premierinc.com
TheMountSinaiHealthSystemisanintegratedhealthsystem committedtoprovidingdistinguishedcare,conducting transformativeresearch,andadvancingbiomedicaleducation.
Candidisredefiningoralhealthbyusingmoderntechnologyto helpdeliverhuman-focusedcare.
SisuGlobalHealthdesignsandcommercializesmedical deviceswithandforemergingmarkets.
JackieFouse CEO
AgiosPharmaceuticals agios.com
JulieWalker ChiefStrategyOfficer symplr symplr.com
LindaMiller CEO
NorinaAlintaGavan CEO&Managing Director
PDT Incpdtdental.com
WorwagPharma woerwagpharma.com
TitoOvia Co-Founderand HeadofthePublic SectorGrowthTeam
HeliumHealth heliumhealth.com
PremierInc.isatechnologyplatformdeliveringsmarter,faster andbetterhealthcare.
Northbridge Communities northbridge communities.com
AgiosPharmaceuticalsisfocusedondiscoveringand developingnovelinvestigationalmedicinestotreatgenetically defineddiseasesthroughscientificleadershipinthefieldof cellularmetabolism.
symplrenablesenterprisecustomerstoefficientlynavigatethe uniquecomplexitiesofintegratingcriticalbusinessoperations inhealthcare.
PDT,Inc.iscreatingsuperiorqualitydentalinstrumentsand productswithafocusonergonomics,innovativesolutions,and purpose-drivendesign.
WörwagPharmaisapharmaceuticalcompanywith subsidiariesworldwide.
HeliumHealthisthelargestprovideroffull-servicetechnology solutionsforallhealthcarestakeholdersinemergingmarkets.
NorthbridgeCompaniesisaleadingproviderofseniorhousing andservices,providingawidescopeofdevelopment, operationalmanagement,salesmanagementandadvisory services.
WendyNowokunski PRESIDENTInrecentyears,thehealthcareindustryhastransformed
intoadisruptivepattern.Technologicaladvancements achievedinthisfieldhavehelpedmillionsof healthcareexpertsworkseamlesslytosavecountlesslives. Industryleadersareimprovingseveraltechnologiestohave seamlesscoordinationtodevelopadvancedmedicine throughcollectiveknowledge.Womenleadersinhealthcare arededicatingtheirexpertiseandprovidingstrategiesto helpfurthercarryoutgroundbreakinginitiatives.
Inourendeavortofindthe Most Eminent Women Leaders in Healthcare,wecameacrossAlyeahE.Ramjit,whohas beenleadinginthehealthcareindustrywithherexpertise andbringsstructuretothechaos.
Ms.RamjitworksastheAssociateDirectorandChiefof StafftotheChiefTransformationOfficeratMountSinai HealthSystemandPresidentofMountSinaiMorningside. Inthisrole,shesupportskeyinitiativestotransform organizationalculture,includingpatientexperience,system learningandprocessimprovement,andoverseeing initiativeswithinoperations,hospitalstrategy,andbusiness development.
Ms.Ramjit’spriorexperienceinvolvesservingasthe AdministrativeManagerforNorthwellHealth’sMobile IntegratedHealthcare/CommunityParamedicineProgram. Sheoversawtheprogrammaticdesignandcare managementoftheAdvancedIllnesspopulationthrough pre-hospitalcareproviders.
BeforehertimewithNorthwellHealth,Ms.Ramjitgained experienceasaProjectManagerofIntegratedCarewiththe
SuffolkCareCollaborative,StonyBrookMedicine.She oversawcreatinganintegrateddeliveryserviceusing PCMHaccreditationtocreatepracticetransformation, IT/providerintegration,communityengagement,network developmentandperformance,andqualityimprovement.In addition,Ms.RamjitalsohasexperienceinMedicarePart Doperations,andHospitalandLong-TermCare& Rehabilitationoperations.
Throughoutherjourney,Ms.Ramjithasalwaysfoundthat herbiggestchallengetodatehadconsistentlybeenherself. Earlyoninhercareer,shewantedotherstobelieveinher, andshethoughtthatbeingdependentonothers’perceptions ofherwouldhelphergrow.However,eventually,she learnedthatshemustfirstworkondevelopingherself, understandingherpersonality,andhowsheinteractedwith others.Then, gainafurtherunderstandingofheremotional quotientandhowsheusesemotionalintelligencetohelp navigatehercareerpath.
Ms.Ramjitalsounderstoodthatknowingherskillsetsand speakingtothoseassistsincreatingnon-traditionalcareer opportunities.Inaddition,observingothers'stylesand personalitieshashelpedherimproveherself,thereby providingherwiththetoolstounderstandhercareergrowth decision-makingprocess.
Itisvitaltousenewertechnologiesinhealthcare,andMs. RamjitthinksHealthSystemsneedtopartnerwithventure capitalistsandestablishedcommunityprograms.Many
healthsystemsseektocreatetheirowntelehealthplatforms orsocialdeterminantsofhealthplatformstoaddresspatient needsandattempttorecreatethewheel.
Shesays, “If leaders took a step back and viewed healthcare the way I do, which is like a large puzzle with silos that need to be brought together, then instead of recreating the wheel, we would be able to bring groups of experts together and in the long run solve the large puzzle of healthcare.”
Ms.Ramjitbelievesthatcreatingapopulationofhealthy individualsisallaboutstrategicoperationsand partnerships.Itisaboutpatientaccountability,caregiver input,interdisciplinaryteamcommunication,andadvocacy beingsupportedbyinfrastructure.
Mr.Ramjitopinesthatthepandemicwasanexperiencethat today’shealthcareleadersneverimaginedtheywouldlive through;allinall,everyoneisstilllivingthroughit.She thinksthattelehealthwillbeoneofthebigwinnerspostpandemic.
BeforeCOVID,telehealthwasusedwithinHealthcare Systemsprimarilyforremotepatientmonitoring.COVID taughthealthcareworkersthattheycouldcareforpatients andseekconsultationsacrossStatelines.Ms.Ramjit remembersatimewherephysicianswereinsuchhigh demandlocallyorganizationshadtopartneracrossState linestoprovideadequatecoverage.Telehealthbroughtthe nationtogether,evenifforashortperiod.
Anotherthingthatwaslearnedduringthistimeframe, especiallyatMSHS,washowittrulyutilizesinpatient beds.InNewYork,ithasbeenonalengthyjourneyto consolidateinpatientbedsandfocusheavilyonambulatory
COVIDstoppedthemintheirtracksandhasforcedthemto redesignthatthoughtandthoseplans.
Mr.Ramjitthinksthatthenextfiveyearsofhealthcarewill beaboutrecoveryandresilience.COVIDhitMSHSlikea Category5hurricane,andoncethereisanopportunityto takeastepbackfully,healthcareleaderswillneedto reassesstheirviewsonthefutureandtheirviewsonhow careisprovided.
Organizations,whetherthoseareHealthSystems,venture capital-fundedorthatarecommunity-based,needto reassesstheconceptofteamworkwithinhealthcareandnot justwithintheirmission,vision&values.Healthcareinthe UShascomealongwaythroughtechnologicaladvances, advancesinpopulationhealthmanagement,engagement withhealthinsurancecompanies,Silicon-valleyentering healthcare,etc.,butthoseareallundertheguiseof volatilityandbeingcutthroat.Resilienceandrecoverytake precedentwiththeunderlyingunderstandingthatpeople (employees)drivemission,vision,andvalues.
Thepathtohealthcareleadershipandhealthcare administrationisnolongerwhatitwasjustfiveyearsago. HealthcareSystemsarethenewnormal,consistently providingatraditionalapproachtopatientcarewhile venturedbackedhealthcarecontinuallyassesseshowto improvecaredeliveryinanon-traditionalsetting.
Mr.Ramjitsays, “I have always been intrigued by the way in which venture capitalism entered the healthcare market and identified how to efficiently create targeted care within appropriate care models. My advice is always the same, be kind to yourself on the journey, be kind to those around you, enter healthcare and strive to be a leader because your decisions impact thousands if not millions of people in a singular moment.”.
“Leadership is truly about being primarily servant but understanding that transformational leadership and influential leadership create the balance,” sheconcludes.
Myla Maloney Chief Commercial Officer Premier Applied Sciences®
Denise Juliano Group Vice President Premier Applied Sciences®
Womencomprisethemajorityofthehealthcare industry.Theirtremendousdecision-making abilitiesmakethemvital,andwomenleaders arealinchpininthehealthcareindustry Theirintact determinationhasalwayshelpedthemtobedauntlessand plungeahead.OnesuchduoisDeniseJulianoandMyla Maloney,whohaveleveragedtheircollectiveexperiencein developingandimplementinginnovativestrategiesin healthcare.
DeniseistheGroupVicePresidentofPremierApplied Sciences®(PAS),whileMylaservesastheChief CommercialOfficerofPremierAppliedSciences. PremierInc.isahealthcareimprovementcompanythathas createdoneofthemostcomprehensivedatabasesof actionabledata(thePremierHealthcareDatabase, otherwiseknownasthePHD),clinicalbestpractices,and efficiencyimprovementstrategies.
Deniseisaninnovativeleaderwithastrongentrepreneurial spiritandextensivehealthcareindustryexperience.Shehas ledeffortsinthedevelopmentofstrategicaccount managementprogramsandwasfeaturedinthebook; BeyondtheSalesProcess:12ProvenStrategiesfora Customer-DrivenWorldbySteveAnderson.Inaddition, sheisknownasamentorandcoachandwasthefirst recipientoftheLindaA.RooneyAwardforExecutive Women'sLeadership.Sheisanexecutivesponsorofthe LGBTQ+EmployeeResourceGroup(ERG)atPremier Mylaisaninspirationalleader,thinkeranddoerwithalaser focusonnew,out-of-the-boxwaystoimprovethedelivery ofhealthcare.Sheisnotonlydedicatedtoadvancing Premier’smissionofimprovingthehealthofcommunities, she’sequallydedicatedtodevelopingpeopleboth professionallyandpersonally.Shedevelopedatraining programbasedonStrengthsFinderwhichhasresultedinthe entirePremierorganizationleveragingastrengths-based approachtoindividualandteamdevelopment.Shealso servesasanexecutivesponsoroftheMilitaryandVeterans ERGatPremier.
SincestartingatPremier,DeniseandMylahaveledthe teamtotransformPremierAppliedSciences,intoadoubledigitEBITDAandrevenuegrowthbusiness.Theyhave successfullydevelopedtheiroverallstrategicvisionand businessplan,whilecreatingacultureofexcellence. DeniseandMylaaredevelopingandimplementing innovative,real-worldevidencesolutionswithlifesciences organizationstoacceleratecarealignmentwithevidence-
basedguidelinesandbestpractices.Theyarenotonly identifyingandfacilitatingbusinessdevelopmentwith emergingtechnologycompaniestoremaincompetitive,but alsoleadingstrategicengagementsanddevelopingvalue co-creationwiththehighestregardedlifescience companies.
ChallengesarenothingnewtoDeniseandMyla,andthey havealwaysrisentotheoccasionandprovidedwith resolve.Belowaresomeofthechallengesthattheduo cameacrossintheircareers:
Ÿ
Startinganewbusiness–reshapingstrategy, reorganizingandexpanding,leadingchange management,establishingnewrolesandcapabilities.
Ÿ Establishingandmeetingaggressivebusiness developmentgoals.
Ÿ
Innovatinginahighlyregulatedmarket.
Ÿ Acquiringnewcompaniesandcreatingstrategic partnershipsallwhilemanagingaP&L.
Ÿ Leadinghomogeneousteams.
Ÿ
Creatingacultureofabusinessownermindsetwhile beingpartofalargerorganization.
Ÿ
Developingstrategicaccountmanagementprogramswith aclientfacingmentality.
‘‘ ‘‘
™
ThroughitsPINCAI platform,Premierusestechnology, data,andanalyticseffectivelytodrivevalueforthe organizationanditsmemberhealthsystems.Itsdata-driven, clinicallyintegrated,tech-enabledimprovementsolutions integrateseamlesslyintoahealthsystem'selectronichealth record(EHR).
Beingpoweredbyartificialintelligence(AI),natural languageprocessing(NLP),andmachinelearning(ML), thesesolutionsprovidereal-timeinformationatthepointof care.Theyleveragethelargestbenchmarkingdatabasein theU.S.,with100Billionpointsofdatafrommorethan 1,100facilitiesrepresenting45percentofallU.S. discharges.
Premier'ssolutionsarehelpingtoremovewastefrom healthcare,modernizeandautomatemanualtasks,and ensuresuccessinvalue-basedcare,includingclinical decisionsupporttoensurethehighestqualityoutcomes demandedbypayers,employers,andpatientsalike.
Asthepandemicbegan,itleftcliniciansscramblingtofind acure,andlifesciencesorganizationssearchingforup-todate,real-worldevidence.Therewasaclearneedfordata touncoversolutionstocombattheeffectsofCOVID-19. Whilehospitaldatawouldbeideal,thetypicallagtimewas fivemonths.
Denise,MylaandthePASteamknewitwasurgentto supporttheemergencyresponsetoCOVID-19;thus,the PASCOVID-19ResponseTeamwasassembled.
TheteamdevelopedaSpecialReleaseofthePHD(the PHD-SR)thatshortenedthedatalagtimefromfivemonths totwoweeks,creatingtheidealdatasetforCOVID-19 research.ThePHD-SRwasmadeavailableforlicensingto theCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC),the NationalInstituteofHealth(NIH),lifesciences organizationsandacademiatoconductresearchstudieson COVID-19.ThePASAppliedResearchTeamcollaborated withgovernmentagenciesandacademiatoconduct essentialstudies,manyofwhichhavebeenpublishedintop journals,includingJAMA.Thesestudiesinformed healthcareprofessionalsabouttheriskfactorsofmortality andclinicaloutcomesofCOVID-19andhelpedsavelives.
Premier'smissionistoimprovethehealthofcommunities. Throughthecollectivepoweroftheallianceof approximately4,100U.S.hospitalsandhealthsystemsand morethan200,000otherprovidersandorganizations,the companyisleadingthetransformationtohigh-quality,costeffectivehealthcare.
Premieriscommittedtomakingadifferenceinthe communitiesitsmembersservebyenablingthemwiththe toolsandtechnologytocollaboratefasterandmore efficiently,improvequalityoutcomes,anddeliverbetter carewhilesafelyreducecosts.Alongsideitsmembers,they aretransforminghealthcaretogether
Whenaskedabouttheenvisionoftheorganization'sfuture, "We're looking to expand our capabilities to continue to address the challenges faced by life science companies in concert with our healthcare systems’needs. One such challenge, clinical trial innovations is key area of investment for PAS," saysDenise.
Clinicaltrialsrequirebroadpopulationsofmanydifferent typesofpatients.Findingpatientswithsuitable characteristicsisoftenachallenge,asupto80percentof clinicaltrialsfailtomeettargetedrecruitmenttimelines.
"Using our data and broad provider network, we believe we can identify the right patients to enroll, as well as the providers who can test their use in a real-world environment. This is a tremendous value to life sciences companies that must demonstrate effectiveness using realworld evidence," addsMyla.
Intheiradvicetoaspiringwomenleaders,DeniseandMyla say, "Take calculated risks, don't be afraid to stretch yourself, take on assignments beyond your comfort zone, be a daily learner, don't be afraid to ask for what you want, don't wait until you're completely ready to take on your new role, mentor others, know your own capabilities and surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and can do things you don’t."
Julie Walker Chief Strategy Officer symplr
“Fail fast, learn faster, and keep moving forward.”
TostatethatCOVID-19hitthehealthcareindustry
hardisanunderstatement.Overthepast18months, healthcareorganizationshavestruggledtoprovide caretolargenumbersoftheinfectedwhilesimultaneously containingcosts,maintainingcompliance,andincreasing efficiency Andthepandemic'snotdonereshaping healthcare…notyet.Operationssolutionsthathelped hospitalsandhealthsystemssuccessfullynavigatethrough theworstofCOVID-19brokedownsilos,automated processes,andenhancedemployeeengagementand productivity—allwhilekeepinganeyetowardimproving patientcareandmaintainingasafeenvironment.Payersand providerorganizationsthatreliedonsymplrreceivedthe supporttheyneededtocontinueonapathtoward transformingtheirhealthcareoperationstoachievebetter outcomesdespitethehurdlesandrisks.symplrisaleaderin alargeandgrowinghealthcareoperationsandgovernance, riskmanagement,andcompliance(GRC)ITmarket.It beganasavendorandprovidercredentialingorganization thatgrewrapidlythroughproductinnovationand acquisitions,havingmade12acquisitionsinthepast6 years.
Oneoftheexecutiveleadersatsymplrresponsiblefor definingandimplementingstrategiesthatimprove healthcareorganizations'operationsto,inturn,improve theiroutcomesisitsChiefStrategyOfficer,JulieWalker.
Julieisakeyplayerinsymplr'ssuccessandgrowthinthe healthcareITmarketandleadsthecompany'sM&A strategybycoordinatingtheexecutionandintegrationof acquisitionsandpartnerships.Thisuniqueandongoing programiscenteredonoperatingefficiently,effectively,and successfullyatscale—andputscustomersatthecenter.In doingso,symplrsucceedsinmaximizingproductand servicevalueforcustomerssothesecustomers–the healthcareproviders–havemoretimetocareforpatients.
Julie'sprofessionaljourneyprovidesinsightintohowshe successfullyidentifiesandcapitalizesonthegrowththathas contributedtosymplr'sremarkablesuccess.
AYoungEntrepreneurandCompetitiveAthlete Juliebeganhoningherbusinessacumenatayoungagein Ft.Madison,IA,asmallrivertownandthehomeofoneof theU.S.'slargestdouble-deckerswingspanbridges.Asa teen,sheandherbrotherstartedalawn-mowingbusiness, whichprovidedherwithagenuineappreciationforthe universalbusinessfactthatifyouhustle,workhard,anddo agoodjob,you'llberewarded.
Fastforwardafewyearstocollegeandpost-grad,where JulieplayedandcoachedDivisionIscholarshipbasketball. Bystrikingabalancebetweenthedemandsofthesportand beingsuccessfulinschool,shehonedtheskillsthatwould setherupforsuccess:discipline,dedication,resilience,the abilitytolearnfast,and,ultimately,howtoleadthrough positiveaction.
Priortojoiningsymplr,Julieheldseniorleadershiprolesat ProviderTrustandtheNationalHealthcareerAssociation,a divisionofAscendLearning—bothSaaShealthcare technologycompanies.Havingastrongdesiretoexpand herexperienceandreach,Juliejoinedamid-stage healthcaretechnologystartuptohelptransformtheteam andthebusiness,whichledhertosymplr.Inearlierrolesin symplr'sWorkforceManagementandAccessManagement businesssegments,Juliehassuccessfullyledthe integrationsofmultiplehealthcaretechnologybusinesses intosymplr,drivingstrategyandculture,andultimately, helpingsymplrtransitiontoitscurrententerprise organizationalmodel.Mostrecently,shewasofferedthe excitingopportunitytoleadsymplr'sStrategyand CorporateDevelopmentTeaminanewlycreatedrole.Hers isanew,small,andmightyteamfocusedonensuring
symplrrealizesitsshort,mid,andlong-termstrategiesas theleaderinhealthcareoperationsandthenorthstarfor healthcaretechnology
Whenaskedabouttheimpactofthecurrentpandemicon thehealthcareindustry,JulieexpressesthatCOVID-19has beentransformationalforhealthcare.Ithaschallenged symplrtoview,access,andengageinhealthcaredifferently, andhasputaspotlightonkeyvulnerabilities.Whileit broughtparadigmchange,thepandemicalsoservesasa tremendousopportunitytoimproveandelevatethe healthcareindustryinherview—puttingpatientsand essentialworkersatthecenter.Inturn,ithasreinforcedthe criticalroleinformationtechnologyplaysinthehighly complexhealthcareecosystem.
Thepandemichasalsoexacerbatedtheongoingshortageof healthcareworkers.COVID-19placedextremeduresson already-overstretchedphysiciansandnurses,causingearly retirementandpromptingotherstoleaveforless demandingenvironments.
BecauseofCOVID-19,healthcareworkforceissuescanno longerbeignored—orhealthcareorganizationsdosoat theirownperil.Juliestressesthattalentandworkforce managementsolutionsonceconsidereda“nicetohave”are quicklybecominganecessityfortheirabilitytoempower healthcareorganizations.Effectiveuseofworkforcedata aidsdata-drivenstaffingdecisionsthatcontainandmanage laborcosts,improveproductivity,increasestaff engagement,andpositivelyaffectpatientoutcomes.
Julieemphasizestheimportanceofcultivatingapositive workculture,which,inherviewismission-criticaltoany organization'ssuccess.Atsymplr,peoplearethecompany's mostvaluedasset.Talented,satisfiedstaffplacedinthe rightpositionsandgivenunlimitedgrowthopportunities drivebetteroutcomesforall:forsymplr'scustomers,the business,theemployees,andallotherkeystakeholders.The companyrecognizesthatwithoutastrongculture,achieving itsgoalsandoverallmissionisnotpossible.
Asaresult,symplrleansonitsculturalvaluesinevery internalandexternalinteraction.They'recoretothesymplr businessandareincludedinitspersonnelone-on-one meetings,teammeetings,executiveleadershipdiscussions, andperformancereviews.Further,itincludesthecore valuesinitsinterviewandnewemployeeonboarding processesandrecognizesandrewardsculturalambassadors.
Cultureisforeveratoppriorityandenablessymplrto continuetomeaningfullyeffectchangeinhealthcare operations.
Returningtooneofsymplr'scentraltenets—tokeep patientsatthecenterofthecompany'smissionanddaily activities—Juliestatesthatit'sintegraltothewaysymplr hashelpedhealthcareorganizationselevateanddelivercare resultinginoptimaloutcomes.Throughcontinued technologicaladvancementsandakeenfocusonenabling streamlined,efficient,andeffectiveworkflows, connectedness,andtransparency,symplrhasunlockedits abilitytorealizemission-drivenhealthcareoperations solutionsthatadvanceahealthierpopulation.
Whendiscussingthefutureofsymplr,Julieexpresses confidencethatsymplrwillremaintheclearleaderin healthcareoperationsandGRC.Becausesymplrwill relentlesslychampionitscustomersandleadthrough equalityandintegritytoforgeanewpathforhealthcare organizationsthatstrugglewithdatasiloesand inefficienciesinmanagingtheiroperations.Collectively, symplremployeesandleadersrecognizethatteamworkis theirtruenorthandtheirworkisrootedinpositiveaction andoutcomes.
Julienotesthatsheispersonallyinvestedinensuringthat symplrlivesoutitscorevaluesandrealizesitsmeaningful strategyforthegoodofallhealthcareparticipants.Itisa uniqueorganizationwithmanyopportunities,shesays,and shelooksforwardtowhatthefutureholds.
Inheradvicetoup-and-comingwomenleaders,Juliesays, “Be the change you want to see. Be okay with failing fast, learn even faster, and keep moving forward—embracing others along the journey.”
“We all have a remarkable opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and it's the mental mindset, intellectual curiosity, desire, and focus that are foundational to realizing your world-impacting aspirations. Further, find a mentor who genuinely cares about your professional journey. Mentors are worth their weight in gold!”
ThemostimportantSustainableDevelopmentGoal setbyUnitedNationsisachievinggoodhealthand well-beingforeveryone.Thisgoalisfoundational andcomplementarytomanyotherSustainableDevelopmentGoals.Astronghealthcareindustryplaysanimportant roleinensuringthegoodhealthandwell-beingofall peopleandthus,itismostessentialaspectforallcountries. Anyinstitutionorindustryisasstrongastheleadersinthat industry Thegreatestleadersarethosewhoservelarger numberofpeopleandmakeapositivedifferenceintheir liveswiththeirworthycontribution.
Inthehealthcareindustry,itisessentialforleaderstolead withaspiritofempathy,compassion,andnobility,asthey havetodealwiththesensitivehealthissuesofthepeople. Compassionateandnobleleaderswanttoserveasmany peopleastheycanandwanttodomostforthewelfareof thegeneralpublic.Womenarenaturallyfilledwith compassionbecauseoftheirinnatenature.Therefore, womenleaderswiththespiritofcompassionforpeopleand nobilityareabletomakethemostvaluablecontributionto thehealthcareindustry
Eminentwomenleadersinhealthcareindustryaremotivatedbythedesiretocontributetothelivesofpeopleby deliveringthemthebesthealthcareservices.Suchleaders withthepassionfordoingsomethingmeaningfulinthe livesofpeoplewouldliketoimplementinnovativemethods toservethemaximumnumberofpeoplewithevolved solutionsinthehealthcareindustry Theywanttodeliver bestservicestothepeople.Theyimplementlatesttechnologiestoupgradethequalityandefficiencyofthesolutions theyprovide.Theymakesurethattheyareplayingarolein givingcomforttothepatients,improvingtheirhealthand well-being,andhelpingthemexperiencelifetotheirfullest potential.
Themostcompetentwomenleadersinthehealthcare industrytapthepotentialoftechnologieslikeArtificial IntelligenceandBigDatatodeliverthemost comprehensiveandinnovativehealthcaresolutions.These leaderstrytoautomatethehealthcareservicesandincrease
theaccessoflatestservicestoall.Theywanttobepartof thesolutionstothechallengesinthehealthcareindustry andmakeapositiveimpactonthelivesofmanypeople.
Eminentwomenleadersinthehealthcareindustryleadwith emotionalandrationalintelligence,whichhelpsthemmake themostsignificantcontributiontodeliveringadvanced healthcareservicestoall.
Eminentwomeninhealthcarecontributetothehealthcare industrybydeliveringmostinnovativeandcomprehensive healthcaresolutionsforensuringthegoodhealthofpeople. Thetraitsofcompassionandsensitivityarequitevery normalandobviousinwomenleaders.Theychannelize theircompassionandsensitivitytodeliverbesthealthcare servicesandeasethelivesofpatientsbymakingsurethat healthcaresystemsarestrongandhaverobustinfrastructure withmodernandadvancedtechnicalfacilitiesinthem. Womenleadersinhealthcareoptimizetheprocessesinthe healthcaresystems.
Theorganizedapproachofwomenleadersinthehealthcare helpsthemtostreamlinetheprocessesandsystemsand delivermuchefficiencythroughthesedevelopedand evolvedsystems.Theapproachofdoingsomething meaningfulforsocietyisverymuchingrainedinhealthcare leaders.Theirdesiretobepartofsomethingthatcreatesa positiveimpactinthelivesofpeopleforasustainabletime perioddrivesthemtocomeupwithinnovativesolutions andmakesurethatthemostadvancedhealthcaretreatments areavailabletopeopleforensuringtheirbetterhealth.
EminentwomenleadersinHealthcareintegratetheirskills, talents,abilities,andresourcefulnesstoensurebetter healthcareservicesareavailabletopeople.Theycontribute tothelivesofmanypeopleandhelpthemattainahappy andhealthylife.Theytapthepotentialofallresourcesfor ensuringthegoodhealthandwell-beingofpeopleand contributemuchsignificantlytooneofthemostimportant sustainabledevelopmentgoalsoftheUnitedNationsby strengtheningthehealthcaresystemsandimprovingtheir capabilities.
Norina Alinta Gavan
Likeeveryotherindustry,womenhavemadetheir marksofexcellenceinthehealthcareindustryas well.Withtheirpositiveoutlook,determination, andcompassionateapproach,theyhavechangedthefaceof thehealthcareindustry.
Keepingthespotlightintactonsuchprominentwomen,we setoutonanendeavourtofind Most Eminent Women Leaders in Healthcare,wherewecrossedourpathswith NorinaAlintaGavan
NorinaistheCEOandManagingDirectorofWörwag Pharma Romania,apharmaceuticalcompanythatdevelops andsellsbiofactorpreparationsworldwide.Through WörwagPharma,sheismakingpeopleawareofthe importanceoftheirhealtheffectivesolutionsinpreventing andtreatinglifestyledisorders. Norinahasbeen instrumentalinthecompany'sgrowththroughherpassion forthemedicalindustryandexemplaryleadershipskills. Inaninterviewwith Insights Success, Norinasharesher entrepreneurialjourney,experiences,andherthoughtson theimprovementinthehealthcareandpharmaceutical industry.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Give us a brief overview of your position at Wörwag Pharma,andyourjourneysinceinception.
MyjourneyatWörwagPharmabeganinthelateautumnof 1997,whenIcamebacktomyhomecountryfollowinga Ph.D.internshipattheUniversityofCalifornia,San Francisco,attheDermatologyClinic,specializinginSkin Biochemistry,inPercutaneousAbsorption.Atthattime,I
wasworkingasaBiochemistSpecialistattheDermatology ClinicoftheClujCountyClinicalHospital.Ifelttheneed forachange,butonethatwouldkeepmeconnectedtothe medicalfield,asresearchhasalwaysbeenmypassion.
Backthen,itneverevencrossedmymindthatIwould reachatopmanagementposition!IsentmyCVandcover lettertoamedicalrepresentativeadand...inNovember 1997IwasthefirstemployeeoftheGermancompany WörwagPharmainRomania.Atfirst,Ididn'tknowmuch aboutthisfield,butIwasdetermined,soIlearned, discovered,improved,andmanagedtogetwhereIamnow
Whatwerethechallengesyoucameacrossthroughout yourpersonalandprofessionaljourney?
TheyearsspentatWörwagPharmahavebeenfraughtwith manychallenges.Throughoutthispersonalandprofessional journey,ateverystep,onemakeslotsofchoicesand decisions;foranypersonwithacareer,thebalancebetween theirprofessionalandpersonallifeisoneofthebiggest challenges.
However,Itriedtofindabalance,andImustconfessthatI sometimesfailed.Iamapologetictomylovedoneswhen myprofessionaltimetakesupalotofmypersonaltime,but Ithinkitisimportanttoputitouthonestlyandfight constantlytoachievethisbalance.
Beinganexperiencedbusinessleader,whatisyour opinionontheimpactoftheCOVID-19pandemicon thepharmaceuticalindustry?AndhowhasWörwag PharmaRomaniamanagedtoovercomethissignificant challenge?
Thepandemichashadastrongimpactonthe pharmaceuticalmarket,andthishasforcedpharmaceutical companiestorethinktheirstrategies.Digitaltrendshave helpeduskeepourcustomerrelationshipsandmaybeeven improvethem.WörwagPharmaRomaniahaskeptupwith theonlineenvironmentbyorganizingdifferentwebinars.In 2020,tosupportPharmacystudents,thecompanylaunched asupportandcareerguidanceprogramdedicatedtothem: WÖRWAGSTARTUP.Theprogramaimstogivefuture Pharmacistsaccesstothebestqualitycareerguidance programs,experiencesthatcomplementtheknowledge gainedincollege,andacompleteperspectiveonthis profession.Ifirmlybelievethatachievingwhatonesetsout todotakesalotofwork,involvement,dedication,and especiallydiscipline.
Ifgivenachance,whatistheonethingthatyouwould changeaboutthePharmaceuticalecosystemkeypolicy initiatives?
Progressmeansmovementandmustbesupportedby innovationanddedication,bytheintentiontodogood.It shouldbesupportedbyethics,fairbusinessprinciples,but alsobyafairandselflesseducationofthepopulationin relationtotheirownhealth.Asocietycanonlydevelop harmoniouslyifitismadeupofhealthyandbeautiful people.
Howdoyouenvisiononsustainingyourcompetencyin acutthroatandvolatileworldofhealthcare?What couldbethefutureofthePharmaceuticals’companies?
Iamoptimisticaboutthefuturedevelopmentofthe pharmaceuticalindustry Alltheplayersonthisstagewill needtoadjust.Accesshasbecomethefrontandcentertopic forthepharmaceuticalindustry.ThemajorityofPharma companiesnowhaveexplicitgoalsandcommitments relatedtopatientaccessattheexecutivelevelandintheir missionstatements.“Access”isnowontheagendaof multiplefunctionsandtheroleofthemarketaccess function,whichtraditionallyfocusedontechnicalissues likehealtheconomicsmodels,evidencesynthesis,and pricingresearch,israpidlyevolvingtobecomethatofan orchestratorofaccessandproductavailabilityacrossthe organization.
Withthegrowingcommitmenttoachievepatientaccess aroundtheworld,marketaccessfunctionsareexpectedto providebroaderstewardshiponaccesstotheorganization, ensuringthataccessisconsideredthroughouttheproduct lifecycle,fromearlyresearchanddevelopmentto commercialization,growth,andlossofexclusivity.
Whathaveyouenvisionedforthefutureregardingyour roleatWorwagPharmaandforyourpersonal ambitionsaswell?
Wewanttocontinuetobefocusedonourcorecompetence field,intreatmentofdiabetesanditscomplications, especiallyinpreventionandtreatmentofdiabetic neuropathy;wewanttobepresentinthepatients’lifeasan educator,toimprovetheirqualityoflife.
Inthenexttwoyears,thecompanywilllaunchthreenew over-the-counterdrugscurrentlyunderregistration.Weare hopingtohavethecapacityandstrengthtoadapttoallthe challengesthatwillarisetocontinueourdesired development.
Andattheendoftheday,atWorwagPharmaRomaniaI stillhavemanythingstodotogetherwiththeteamIformed andofwhichIamveryproud.
‘‘ ‘‘
Theimportanceofhealthcareinourliveshas increasedinrecenttimes,mainlybecauseofthe pandemic.Growingup,weallwishedforabetter careerforourselves,likebecomingadoctor,engineerora businessperson.Littledidweknowaboutleadershipin thesefields.Aboveall,achievinganythinginliferequires dedication,andmoreimportantlydiscipline.Theleadership principlesarefollowedbyinnovationandethicstobring changeinsocietytodosomethinggood.
Butwhatdoesittaketoleadanindustrylikehealthcare whichisfullofchallenges?Ofcourse,goodeducationand knowledgemakeupagoodleader,andtodayweneedthe supportofhealthcareleadersmorethanatanyothertime. Withtheincreasingdiseasesacrosstheworld,weneed morehealthcareleaderstocatchupwiththegrowing infectionslikethedeadlyCOVID-19virus.
Inthiscompetitiveworldofinnovationandtechnology aroundus,womenleadersareprovingtheirpresenceto improvethequalityoflife.Businesswomenhavedeveloped thevisionandbusinessplanincreatingacultureoflifesavingsolutionsinhealthcare.Theyarenotonlyleadingthe healthcareindustrybutareresolvingthecriticalissuesof healthcare.
Theyarealwaysmissionedtoimprovethehealthofthe peoplearoundthemandtransformitintohigh-qualityand cost-effectivehealthcaresolutions.Theyarecommittedto makeadifferenceinsocietybyenablingthemwithbetter careleadershipskills.Theytakecalculatedrisksandalways deliversbeyondtheircomfortzone.Thebestpartofwomen leadershipistheyalwayshavelearning-attitudeandare readytotakeonanychallengeintheirjourney They understandtheirowncapabilitiesandalwayskeepthem surroundedwiththeindustryexpertstodothingsbetter todaythanyesterday
Today,weseemoreandmoreleaderssteppingintothe healthcareindustry,andtheircontributionneedstobe acknowledged.Itisbecauseoftheirqualitiestheyareatthe
forefrontofstartingupthebusinessinhealthcarewiththeir knowledgeandexperience.
Healthcareisafieldwhereweneedsuchinnovative leadership.Italsobecomesquitenaturalbeingawoman,as shetakescareofthefamily.Inthesameway,shelooks aftertheemployeesofthecompany,andindirectlythe overallhealthcareindustry.
Nowthatweknowthethingsthatneedtobepossessedby businesswomen,let’sseewhatarethethingstheyriskin: Theleadershipinhealthcaredemandsworkingin challengingenvironments.Beingaleader,businesswoman understandherneedintheplace,buttoomuchofthe workingenvironmentcancausetrouble.Takingfrequent breakstonotgetexhaustedbytheplaceisamust.
Theirdecisioncanaffectthelivesofmany,so businesswomenhavetostudytheminutedetailsofevery work.Theexperiencehelpsandtheconfidencecomeswith it,butsometimesthingscannotgotheirwaybecauseofa littlemiscalculation.So,keepingafocusedmindisreally importantateverystageofleadership,aslivesareatstake ateverymoment.
Maintainingthework-lifebalancealsobecomesachallenge forthem.Theyareinvolvedindualresponsibilitiesand handleitquitewell.Aboveall,theyalwaysmaintainthe balanceperfectly,byprovingtheirwortheverywherethey goforthatmatter
Theyaretherealfighteroftheindustry,leadinghonestly andbecomingthestrongforceinhealthcare.Their contributioniseverywhere,andnotjusthealthcare.The thingthatweallneedtolearnfromthemistheirapproach tolearnnewthings.Thesebusinesswomenhave successfullymadetheirmarkinhealthcareandarereadyto takethehealthcareindustrytoaplacewhereeveryoneis nurturedandtakencareof.
Wehopetoseemorewomenleadersenteringintothe challengingfieldofhealthcare,tostarttheircareers,asthis fieldoffersalotmoreopportunitiesforeveryone.
Tito Ovia
Co-founder and Head of the Public Sector Growth Team Helium Health
Advancementsintechnologyhavechangedtheface ofthehealthcareindustry.Itisevidentthat technologicalsolutionsinhealthcarehave presentednumerousopportunitiesforimprovinghealthcare, reducinghumanerrors,improvingclinicaloutcomes, facilitatingcarecoordination,improvingpractice efficiencies,andtrackingdataovertime.Thisall contributespositivelytohealthcareoutcomes.
Asthehealthcareindustryisbecomingmoretechnologydriven,leadersinhealthcareareplayingasignificantrolein acceleratingthistransformation.
Theinterestingfactisthatmanywomenhavebeenseenat theforefrontofthistransformationandmakingimportant contributionstodiversefieldsinthehealthcaresector.They areconstantlyembracinginnovationtoprovideaccessible, affordable,andqualitycareandpositivelyimpacting patient’slives.OnesuchwomanweatInsightsSuccess cameacrossisTitoOvia.
TitoistheCo-founderandHeadofthePublicSector GrowthTeamatHeliumHealth,aNigeria-basedhealth techcompanythatisbuildingthetechnologyinfrastructure drivingAfricanhealthcare.
PriortoHeliumHealth,Titowasanassistantproject manageratLagosStateAIDSControlAgency(LSACA), wheresheworkedwithprivateandpublicsector stakeholderstopreventthespreadofHIV/AIDSwithinthe
state.AtHeliumHealth,sheisusingherinvaluable experiencetohelpthecompanyaccelerateAfrica's transitiontoatechnology-drivenhealthcaresystem.
PassionateaboutImprovingtheHealthcare Tito’sroleatHeliumHealthallowshertoworkcloselywith thepublicsectorandgovernmentstakeholders.Itis importantbecausealargepercentageofthepopulation dependsonpublichealthcareinstitutionsfortheirhealth needs.Shehasalwaysbeenpassionateabouthealthcare, andthisledhertostartHeliumHealthin2016as“One Medical”alongwithotherco-founders.WithHelium Health’sdigitizedmedicalsolutions,thereisagreater chanceofprovidingthepublicwithaccesstoqualitycare Titowantedtobuildasystemthatwouldincreaseefficiency andeliminatefragmentation.WhenHeliumHealth examinedthesystem,itrealizedthatitcouldonlydothisby bridgingthedatagapinthesector Thecompanystartedto dothisbyprovidingtechnologysolutionstoproviders, payers,patients,andpartnerstoaccessevenmoredataand getabroadviewofwhatisgoingoninthespace.
Intheearlydays,Titowouldgofromhospitaltohospital, pitchingtodoctorsandhospitaladministrators,butthere wasalotofskepticismbecauseitwasasmallcompanyof youngpeople.ThesefacilitiesknewHeliumHealth’sEMR wasgood,buttheywereabithesitanttotrusttheiryouth.
ByDecember2016,thecompanywasawardedthe Etisalat’sPrizeforInnovationand,inMay2017,got
Over470healthcareprovidersand7,000health professionalsinNigeria,Senegal,andGhanacurrentlyuse HeliumHealth’stechnologicalsolutions.FromElectronic MedicalRecords,andHospitalManagementInformation Systems,tocreditandtelemedicineproducts,thecompany isallowinghealthcarefacilitiestoacceptpaymentsand issueinvoiceswithease,accessquickfunding,andhold televisitswiththeirpatients,makingiteasierforpatientsto getdiagnosedfromtheirhomes.
However,thecompany'smostpopularsolutionremainsEMR,whichhappenstobetheflagshipproduct.Thismodel soughttoaccelerateorcatalyzethatinevitabletransitionof thecountryfrompaper-basedmanualsystemstoa technologyanddata-drivensystem.
Tostayaheadofthecurve,peopleatHeliumHealthwent fromhospitaltohospital,understoodthestrugglesdoctors werehaving,andobservedhowtheyenjoyedtexting.Asa result,itcreatedasolutionsimilartosocialmediaplatforms whichwerelesscomplicatedandeasytouseandmanage. Oncehospitalssawtheintenttoeasetheirstress,optimize
acceptedintoYCombinator.TodayHeliumHealthisthe largestEMRproviderinWestAfricawith470hospitals usingthesoftwaretohandleover290,000patientsvisits monthly
“ “
efficiency,plugfinancialleakages,andimprovetheir patient’shealthcareoutcomes,theystartedtojumponthe solutionsandreferthecompanytootherinstitutionsand hospitals.
ThefirstchallengeTitoandherteamfacedwaswith hospitaladministrators.Manyofthemwerenotinclinedto acceptinnovationduetogrimexperienceswithother technologysolutionsandagenerallackoftrust.The majorityofthemweremorefocusedonsecuringtheir practiceandprovidingpatientcaretothebestoftheir knowledge.Thiswasarationaldecisionthatdidn'tleave roomtoexploretechnologicalsolutionsthatwouldimprove thedatamanagementandclinicaloperationsofthe facilities.
Toallaytheirconcerns,Titoandherteambuiltthesolution tobeuser-friendly,lesscomplicatedandeasytouseand manage.Oncehospitalsexperiencedthis,theystartedto referthecompanyeventotheircolleagues.
Moreover,infrastructuralchallengesinNigeriaalso adverselyaffecthealthcare.Challengeslikeerraticpower supply,poorinternetconnectivity,andlackofdevicesin thesefacilitiesaffectedthesmoothoperationsanduseof health.
Tofixthis,HeliumHealthdevelopedanofflinesolution wherethecompanycouldworkwithanon-premiseserver, onlyneedingtheinternettoperiodicallybackupthedatato thecloudandincaseswhereprovidersstrugglewith electricityandmadeprovisionsforsolarenergy.
OneofthemajorreasonsTitoandherteamhavebeenable toimprovehealthcareoutcomesisthroughitssolutions. HeliumHealthdrivescollaborationswithcommunitiesthat enabletorecruitandtrainlocaltalent.Forexample,whenit wascalledbytheAkwaIbomStateGovernmenttodigitize theirmedicalcenters,theorganizationrecruitedlocals withinthecommunity,trainedthemonhowtouseits solutions,andthensentthemtothevariousmedicalcenters tofacilitatetrainingsessions.
Titoasserts,“Even as we expand both within and outside the country, we will continue to contribute to those communities by recruiting local talents, equipping and empowering them.” Forbiomedicalservices,itisdifficult toinnovatewhenthereisnoaccesstoreal-timedata,soitis
bridgingthatgap.Shebelievesthatstakeholderswillbe abletomakeinformeddecisionsthatwilldeliverhigh standardsofcarewithdata.
TalkingaboutthefutureofmedicalcareposttheCOVID19pandemic,Titomentionsthatonethingthepandemichas doneisaccelerateandencouragetherapidgrowthof technologicalsolutions.Now,therearesomanyemerging platformsforservicedeliveryandinformation dissemination.
AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganization,chronic diseaseprevalenceisexpectedtoriseby57%bytheyear 2020.Thissuggeststhatthefutureofcarewillrevolve aroundsolutionsthatcancreativelyhelppatientsmanage chronicconditionsorvisitprovidersvirtually.
HeliumHealthenvisionsthisrapidadoptionoftechnology acrossAfricaandisreallyexcitedaboutit.Itwillcontinue tocontributeandaddvaluetothehealthtechecosystemby providingcutting-edgetechnologytoallthestakeholdersto bridgethecommunicationgapandreducedata fragmentationacrossthecontinent.
“The last five years for us here at Helium Health have been mind-blowing and groundbreaking. We have moved into 7 African countries, and we have been recognized as one of the largest HealthTech startups in Africa. In the next five years, I see us expanding globally with newer offerings to leapfrog innovations in those markets,” concludesTito.
Thepandemicunveileddeeperchallengesfacing Africa’shealthcaresystem.Stakeholders,decisionmakers,andtheeliteinvariousregionswerenot leftoutofbeingstungbytheviperofchronic underinvestment,thesolecauseofpoorcaredeliveryto populations.Thecrisishastenedseveralpolicydialogues, anincreasedurgencytostrengthenhealthsystemsand transformhealthservicedeliveryinmanycountries. FortunatelyfortheAfricancontinent,worldleadersseemto begivingattentiontotheharrowingstateofhealth, especiallyinsub-SaharanAfrica.Onthe30thofSeptember, TheWorldBankBoardofDirectorsapproveda$400 millioncreditinadditionalfinancingtosupportthe Nigeriangovernmentinthesafeacquisitionandeffective deploymentofCOVID-19vaccineswithinthecountryas partofherCOVID-19PreparednessandResponseProject. Zanzibaraswellhasachievedapre-eliminationmalaria statusasmortalityratesresultingfromthediseasehave reduceddramaticallyduetotheincreasedleveloffunding thecountryhasgotten.However,Africastillhasawidegap
tocover,andnow,morethanever,ithasbecomeimperative forbusinessleaderstocontributeefforts,reimaginethe sectorashealthissueshavefar-reachingandlong-lasting consequencesoneconomiesandsocieties,and governments.
HealthsystemsinAfricaarestillunderutilizingthewide rangeofperksdigitalresourcesprovide.Businessleaders shouldseektoensurethatinvestmentsaremadeintonew technologicalsolutions,riddingthesystemoffragmentation whileprovidingvisibilityintotheentirejourneyofa patient,whichallowsstakeholderstomaketheright decisionsandefficientlymeasureimpact.Withthisnutofa backdatedhealthsystemcracked,therewillbesomany opportunitiestoplugfinancialleakages,thusmaking healthcareanassetratherthanaliability Agoodexampleis seenwithMoscow'sIntegratedMedicalInformation AnalyticalSystem,whichimprovedoperationswithinthe healthsystemleadingtothefacilitysaving$63.4millionin revenueannually.
Lauretta Hamza is a strategic communications professional whose renowned work for over half a decade cuts across the domains of public policy and health; strategy development, financing, research, capacity building, program design, implementation as well as evaluation. Lauretta aims to direct policymaking and sustainable development with the goal of strengthening systems to improve the lives of populations living in Africa using scalable business-economic models backed by data and technology.
AnotherhugeproblemAfricancountriesarefacingrevolves aroundacriticalshortageofhealthworkers.Theresearchof YohannesKinfuunderTheWorldHealthOrganization estimatedthatitwouldtake36yearsfordoctorsand29 yearsfornurses/midwivesinAfricatoachievethetarget alreadysetbyWHO,whichestimatesarateof2.28%of professionalsper1000population.Theseestimatesarenot guaranteed,meaningsomecountriesmayneverhitthe target.Thisclearlyshowsthatthecurrentnumberofhealth workersisinsufficienttomeetpopulationhealthneedsat thatpointintime.Businessleadersmustmakestrategic planstoensurethatasustainableapproachismadeto ensureallhealthworkerscanpracticeintheircountrywith adequateaccesstoappropriatetools.
Finally,businessleadersmustbuildresilientsystemsready torespondtohealthemergencies,includingpandemics. AlthoughTaiwandidnotholdoffCOVID-19fortoolong,
itslongstandingstrategiesofmasking,quarantinemeasures, andcontacttracingkeptitscitizenssafeforalengthened periodoftimeeventhoughtheywereincloseproximity withChina,thesourceoftheviralspread.Preparednessis keyinbattlinghealthchallenges,anditisimportantfor businessleaderstoworkwithgovernmentsandother expertsinthespheretobuildinfrastructures,develop strategicpartnerships,andensurethatkeyenablerssuchas fundingaresetinplace.
Byfocusingontheseareas,businessleaderswillbeableto acceleratethetransformationoftheirhealthsystems,build resilienceagainstfuturediseaseoutbreaks,andimprove generalhealthoutcomesforpopulations.
