Dr Anuschka Coovadia
Dr Anuschka Coovadia is a South African doctor, economist, actuarially trained consultant and entrepreneur who has dedicated her career to improving healthcare and education systems and outcomes in Africa and beyond. She is the founder and partner of Usizo Advisory Solutions, an independent boutique consulting practice that works with clients such as the WHO, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the Government Employees Medical Scheme, Bonitas, PPS, Medscheme, the Board of Healthcare Funders, Ministries of Health, hospital groups, pharmaceuticals and the independent school sector.
Dr Coovadia is a board member of several organizations, such as Dischem, which is the largest pharmacy group in Africa. She is the Chair of the KZN Childrens’ Hospital and also sits on the boards of the Dawi Clinics in Egypt, CAPRISA (HIV/AIDS research organisation), Durban Girls’ College, St John’s Diocesan School for Girls and the global health technology and data science firm, Beamtree. In addition, she is one of the founding partners of a professional women’s philanthropic organisation, the Khulisa Foundation, which works towards the betterment of vulnerable women and children, in KwaZulu-Natal.
She has served as part of MIT’s Solve Leadership team and as a director of the Africa Health Federation. Previously, she worked as the Head of Health Africa KPMG, the Head of Clinical Governance Momentum Health, the Head of Clinical Advisory Services at GEMS, a Health Actuarial advisor at Momentum/Metropolitan Health Risk Management; and the Head of Africa (Malaria) for Novartis.
She has a wealth of experience and expertise in strategy, policy, governance, quality assurance, innovation, transformation and universal health coverage. She has led and participated in various projects and initiatives that aim to address the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare sector, such as designing, modelling and implementing national health insurance schemes, operational transformation of pathology laboratories and private hospitals, clinical governance for medical schemes and providers, deal advisory and expansion strategies for healthcare businesses and social enterprises.
She has a passion for learning and sharing knowledge. She has published several articles and reports on healthcare topics and trends. She is also a frequent speaker at local and international conferences and events. She holds an MBChB and an MSc in Health Economics from the UKZN and has actuarial training, from the Institute of Actuaries in the UK. She is widely respected and admired as a leader in healthcare innovation and transformation. She is driven by her vision of creating sustainable and equitable healthcare and education systems that deliver quality care and services to all people. She is also a proud wife to Sanjay Nathoo, who is an entrepreneur and franchisee for McDonalds and Nike, as well as the mother of two wonderful children, Amara and Shaan Nathoo.
