DR ABONGILE QAMATA

Dr Abongile Qamata, a 36-year-old medical doctor from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, has always wanted to be a doctor.

She graduated from the Walter Sisulu University at the age of 21 and proceeded to serve as a clinician in both the public and private South African health sectors for eight years, before venturing into Managed Care in 2013.

The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the currently hospi-centric healthcare delivery model – highlighting the shortcomings of in-hospital care as well as the opportunity for alternative solutions. Quality care at home can be affordable without compromising on clinical outcomes.

Her current role as the lead in Alternatives to Hospitalisation at Afrocentric Group allows her to explore safe and cost-effective solutions to healthcare delivery outside of the traditional brick-and-mortar acute hospital facilities.

Abongile’s passion lies in health and wellness – with a special interest in the role of nutrition and physical activity in the prevention and reversal of non-communicable diseases.

When she is not liaising with scheme executives or service providers, Abongile spends her time with her husband and their two young children, her close network of friends or volunteering at church. Abongile is a Comrades Marathon medallist and budding triathlete.

One of Abongile’s ambitions is finding sustainable, innovative solutions to South Africa’s rising non-communicable disease burden. She is currently finalising her Master’s in Public Health studies with the University of Stellenbosch, and is considering studying towards a PHD.