CEO of the Hospital Association of South Africa on partnerships, purpose and the pursuit of universal healthcare
He speaks in measured tones – calm, reflective, deliberate. But when Dr Dumisani Bomela describes the future he envisions, the words carry power. For the CEO of the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA), healthcare is not just a profession. It is a promise to every South African, rooted in dignity, equity and access.
Q: Dr Bomela, what drew you to medicine and what keeps you committed to healthcare in South Africa?
A: I have always seen healthcare as an act of service. As a doctor, you learn to see beyond symptoms, to understand the person behind the diagnosis. As a leader at HASA, I take that same approach. Our work is about people. About making sure that every South African, regardless of background, can get quality care when they need it. Because health is a human right.
Q: HASA represents South Africa’s private hospital sector. Why is this sector important to the country’s overall health system?
A: Private hospitals are a cornerstone of healthcare in South Africa. We treat millions of patients each year, often in emergencies or when public facilities are overwhelmed. More than that, HASA members invest heavily in medical training, advanced technology and infrastructure. We are strategic partners in the national system and we believe our sector is a vital national asset.
Q: How does HASA contribute to economic development beyond just healthcare?
A: Healthcare is a growth engine. HASA members are major employers, from doctors and nurses to technicians and support staff. We support local communities and stimulate investment. When healthcare systems are strong, economies thrive – and so do people.
Q: What is HASA’s stance on universal health coverage?
A: We are fully committed to it. We believe every person has the right to choose their provider and to receive high-quality care. That is why we support reforms that strengthen the system and build equity. HASA members are ready to work side by side with government to make that vision a reality. Our hospitals bring deep experience and strong infrastructure to the table.
Q: What kind of leadership do you believe is needed in South African healthcare today?
A: We need leaders who listen before they speak. Who understand not just policy, but people. Leadership in healthcare must be grounded in compassion and collaboration. At HASA, we try to lead by example – building trust, fostering partnerships and always remembering that behind every system are human lives.
Q: How do HASA hospitals stay at the forefront of medical technology and innovation?
A: By investing intentionally. Our members understand that modern medicine is not static, it is constantly evolving. We equip our hospitals with advanced diagnostic tools, robotic surgery capabilities and digital health platforms. But technology alone is not enough. We also invest in people – training nurses, specialists and support teams to lead with excellence.
Q: In a country facing complex health challenges, how do you stay hopeful?
A: Hope grows where there is action. Across our hospitals, I see incredible work being done every day – surgeons saving lives, nurses comforting families, teams innovating to improve care. We are proving, together, that with collaboration and commitment, South Africa’s health system can be strong, inclusive and world-class.
Q: What gives you the greatest sense of pride in your work with HASA?
A: Honestly, it is seeing the impact. When families walk out of our hospitals healed. When professionals grow into leaders. When communities feel supported. These outcomes remind us why the work matters. My pride does not come from titles, it comes from knowing we are making a real, human difference every single day.
