Transforming Namibian Healthcare: Empowering Leaders through Israeli Training

The health systems of Namibia and Israel, while distinct in many ways, also exhibit striking similarities. Both nations emphasize the importance of universal healthcare, maintain a blend of public and private healthcare providers, and prioritize primary care as a cornerstone of their healthcare strategies.

As we delve further into the healthcare systems of these two countries, we discover shared traits that lead to an interesting story of collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders.

We explore the journey of Mr. Stephanus Gerhardus Nel, Vice Chairperson of the Namibian Association of Private Health Facilities (NAPH), who embarked on a transformative mission to Israel. He was convinced that Israel could offer valuable insights and innovative solutions to improve healthcare standards in Namibia.

A Commitment to Growth

In today's fast-evolving healthcare landscape, continuous learning and professional development are essential. To stay ahead, healthcare professionals often seek inspiration and global insights from other countries to enhance patient care.

In May 2023, Mr. Nel made the journey to Israel to participate in the Health Systems Management programme at Galilee International Management Institute.

Mr. Nel is a seasoned healthcare professional with an impressive background. He holds a degree in Sports Science and a master's degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa. Mr Nel's career began in private practice as a physiotherapist, where he gained valuable experience over the years. He also contributed to academia, serving as a part-time lecturer at Stellenbosch University, focusing on Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation from 2007 to 2017.

In 2018, he took a significant step by establishing the first Physiotherapy programme in Namibia at the University of Namibia and subsequently assumed the role of Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.

His journey continued in 2022 when he became the Hospital Manager of Welwitschia Private Hospital, showcasing his commitment to healthcare leadership.

As the Vice Chairperson of The Namibian Association of Private Hospitals (NAPH), Mr. Nel plays a pivotal role in representing and leading the Private Health Sector in Namibia.

The NAPH is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the interests of over 35 private healthcare facilities across Namibia. It primarily engages in advocacy, training, capacity building, research, and networking activities for Namibian Private Health Facilities and functions as an umbrella organization, uniting the entire private health sector in the country.

An Interest Awakened

Upon learning about GIMI's Health Systems Management course, his interest was piqued. Following discussions with other NAPH representatives, they collectively recognized the valuable potential of this training opportunity. Consequently, Mr. Nel decided to seize this chance to expand his professional horizons and enhance his skill set in Israel.

Prior to his arrival at Galilee Institute, Mr. Nel had high expectations, aiming to gain insights into a well-operating health system and improve his management skills. Eager to immerse himself in a new culture and mindset, he hoped to gain diverse perspectives and innovative tools.

Attending the Health Systems Management course perfectly aligned with his responsibilities, offering him an opportunity to engage in debates and discussions about healthcare reform and improvements. He gained deeper knowledge to enable him to engage more with stakeholders and inform them about legislative and regulatory developments.

Most Impactful Modules and Topics

During the course, several modules and topics were important for Mr. Nel, but the new skills he acquired in project management and strategic planning had a particularly significant impact. The valuable lectures by Dr Nathan Tirosh on project management, timing and budgeting have equipped him with the necessary skills to drive successful projects and develop comprehensive strategies.

He found great value in the study visits to two HMO clinics in northern Israel. These visits allowed him to directly witness the operation of local community health facilities and gain insight into the efficient management and treatment of patients and their medical conditions within the community.

Many other lectures, workshops and practical study tours provided him with a clear understanding and examples of the efficient functioning of the Israeli healthcare system.

He believes that this experience will shape his own initiatives as he engages with medical funders and regulators to ensure a sustainable approach to private healthcare in Namibia.

Applying Knowledge in Practice - Sharing Learnings and Inspiring Others

Mr. Nel envisions applying his newfound knowledge and skills to his role at NAPH, especially when engaging with the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“Having a good understanding of how and why the Israeli health care system is functioning effectively will be very valuable when NAPH engages with our Ministry of Health and Social Services, during the planning and development of our own Universal Healthcare System”, he believes.

He eagerly anticipates sharing his learnings with colleagues and the wider healthcare community in Namibia. Whether engaging with board members, NAPH's general members, or the Ministry of Health and Social Services, he aims to inspire others and foster meaningful discussions around Universal Healthcare and best practices in healthcare management.

Attending the Health Systems Management course has enriched Mr. Nel's understanding of various aspects of healthcare management and administration. He believes that it will assist him and his colleagues in overcoming challenges. As he reflects, "The lack of a common goal or mindset towards the best outcome is an obstacle at times. The course highlighted the importance of this for me and demonstrated its success."

Influencing the Future of Namibian Healthcare

He firmly believes that the knowledge and experiences gained from Galilee Institute’s Health Systems Management course have the potential to revolutionize healthcare services in Namibia and ultimately deliver better outcomes for its citizens: “By applying some of the basic principles in management and emulating the success in Israel where it is possible could undoubtedly improve healthcare in Namibia.”

A Call for Continuous Growth

Thinking back to his experience in Israel, Mr. Nel underscores the paramount importance of continuous skill and knowledge development for healthcare professionals in today's dynamically evolving landscape. "While keeping up with current evidence is crucial, fundamental management principles remain timeless," he adds.

As he concludes, "The exposure to a different approach to healthcare management and general work culture will have lasting effects on the way I see the future."

We extend our gratitude to Mr. Nel for generously sharing his insights with us. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact his knowledge and experiences will bring to the healthcare landscape and wish him continued success in Namibia.

For more information on our Health Systems Management course, click here.