Ernest Philani Buthelezi

My name is Ernest Philani Buthelezi. I am responding to the vacant position for Coordinator, Health Systems, advertised on your website. I am very interested in the post. I am working for the Gauteng Department of Health, Johannesburg Metro Health District as Assistant Director, Policy Development in Laboratory and Blood Services. 

I do have most of the requirements mentioned in the advertisement. I have more than 30 years of combined experience in Medical Science and Technology, policy administration, clinical support, and project management. My highest level of education is a Master of Science in Medicine (Wits University). I also possess Post-graduate Diploma in Applied Ethics qualifications (Wits University); Management Advancement Programme (Wits University); Advanced Purchasing Management and Advanced Project Management (School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa). The educational qualifications and experience will enable me to perform the advertised job at the highest level. Also, I am certified in Lean Six Sigma for supply chain management systems. 

I possess a high level of analytical skills, organization, problem-solving, ability to work and deliver under pressure with short deadlines. Computer skills: MS Office, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Visio, MS Project. Core competencies include Project management and coordination, process improvement, optimization, and redesign, information management, data analysis, capacity building and regulatory systems, good relationship management, collaborative and consensus building, negotiation and cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, research, monitoring, and evaluation.

An accomplished patient-centered and outcome-focused healthcare worker exceeding 12 years of experience in public service as laboratory and blood services program manager and health systems strengthening practitioner. Interests in evidence-based solutions development and implementation, collaboration with all health care stakeholders including non-governmental organizations in clinical governance programs, policy development participation, and evaluation of specific projects to support universal health coverage realization at the primary health care level. Deeply involved in HIV-AIDS, Sexually Transmissible Infections and Tuberculosis scaling up support as a member of the clinical support services. Have published data in Medical Journals.

Acquired experience in international PEPFAR-funded supply chain management systems. Provided technical assistance in various multidisciplinary projects. Have experience in the application of Lean Six Sigma methodology in solving and implementing health care solutions.

At present, responsible for providing leadership and guidance for the implemented laboratory and blood services guidelines in the Johannesburg Health District and Gauteng Province. Participate in implementing systems and policies to ensure access to good quality and cost-effective laboratory and blood services. Ensure outcomes of implemented projects and services to ensure that test results are available at the right time, the right quality, the right quantities, the right price, the right place, and ordered by the right clinician. Monitor a budget of more than ZAR450 million. Oversee service level agreements (SLAs) between the Department of Health and the service providers. Project implementation, monitoring, and support point-of-care testing technologies at the District Health.

Tertiary Education

1. University of the Witwatersrand - Master of Science (MSc) in Medicine, (Research & Dissertation), 1997 – 2000
2. University of the Witwatersrand – Management Advancement Program, 1998-1998
3. University of the Witwatersrand - Postgraduate Dip. (Applied Ethics), 2002 – 2003
4. University of South Africa - Advanced Project Management, 2006 – 2007
5. University of South Africa – Advanced Purchasing Management, 2000 -2001
6. University of Johannesburg – National Higher Diploma - Medical Tech, 1991-1992
7. Mangosuthu University of Technology – National Diploma - Med Tech (Clinical Pathology), 1986-1990