The power of science and technology to help people get well sooner is the driving force that motivates Dr Esihle Nomlomo, a clinical pathologist and entrepreneur who is making her mark in the South African healthcare sector.

“We congratulate Dr Nomlomo on her recent SHERO Award for women in science and technology. The award is well-deserved recognition of Dr Nomlomo’s skill and passion for bringing together clinical expertise, digital technology, and entrepreneurship to drive innovation that leads to improved access to healthcare and enhanced clinical outcomes,” says Dr Nceba Ndzwayiba, Netcare Group director of human resources and transformation. 

Born in Mthatha, and raised and educated in Cape Town, Dr Nomlomo moved to Gauteng for an internship and to continue her studies specialising in clinical pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. She worked for the National Health Laboratory Services and later launched her own pathology incorporated practice, Dr Esihle Nomlomo Inc., supported by Netcare as part of its enterprise and supplier development programme.

At just 36 years old, today her company is a crucial part of the supply chain for Netcare and is making a name for itself in healthcare. 

“As a clinical pathologist I have a background in biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and virology, which allows us to review patients’ results and pathological processes holistically,” Dr Nomlomo explains.

The enterprise development partnership between Dr Nomlomo Inc. and Netcare Diagnostics as the administrator, started out with providing Point of Care services in the form of blood gas analysis for specialised units at certain Netcare hospitals. 

These analysers record their data on a digitally integrated system which is able to link to the patient’s unique electronic profile. This ground breaking innovation has been expanding its services into the Netcare emergency departments (ED) and offers Point of Care services in the ED that reduce time in obtaining results, treatment and intervention. 

“The Point of Care solution has revolutionised the ED space, as units are able to make rapid and reliable clinical decisions, contributing towards prompt allocation of appropriate resources towards patient care. This in turn alleviates pressure on the ED unit and improves overall effectiveness, efficiency, and clinical outcomes,” adds Jacques du Plessis, managing director of Netcare hospital division.

Point of Care is linked to and supported by central pathology laboratories in Gauteng and three regional laboratories in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape to serve patients in Netcare facilities. 

“It is very rewarding to see how our technology can make a difference holistically to the healthcare journey of a patient through digitalised quality and reliable results that allow rapid diagnoses to be made, assisting patients to get back to productive life sooner – that is what really motivates me. It is the rapid impact,” Dr Nomlomo says. 

The laboratory services have also extended their comprehensive services to Netcare Medicross facilities. 

“The Netcare Group has been very supportive, as they have seen the advantages of the seamless continuity of care this interlinked and digital system enables for our patients. I would especially like to acknowledge Dr Richard Friedland, Group chief executive officer of Netcare, for his belief in this partnership,” she says. 

Dr Nomlomo was recently honoured with a SHERO Award in the category of Science and Technology from Gagasi FM, which aims to shine a spotlight on women’s talents, abilities and direct impact on the province of KwaZulu-Natal and recognises innovation and excellence in the execution of related projects.

“It is humbling to be recognised by the people you work with at a local community level, and is one of the greatest accolades for me.”

Asked for her motivational message to other entrepreneurs or aspiring businesswomen, Dr Nomlomo shares: “Keep shining where you are and being the light for others. Everything starts with believing in what you are doing and that it is possible. Higher powers have a greater purpose for you.

“When you are a start-up, it can feel like an uphill battle but consistency is essential. Push through the fatigue, wake up tomorrow and try again or die trying. Don’t let one hard day define the rest of your year or the ultimate outcome. 

“What I have learnt is the importance of having your own ‘village’, your support system to carry each other during the different phases of growth in any project or business. The refreshing power of bouncing an idea off a colleague or a team member with a different perspective and fresh eyes cannot be underestimated. The joy of knowing that a win for one is a win for all,” Dr Nomlomo says. 

“The significance of what Dr Nomlomo is achieving at such a young age is powerful inspiration for the next generation, showing that hard work and perseverance are recognised and can lead to opportunities to positively touch the lives of many thousands of people into the future. As Netcare, we are privileged to partner with Dr Nomlomo on this journey and wish her every success for the future,” Dr Ndzwayiba concluded.