Celebrating a Healer, a Leader, a Legacy: SAMDP Congratulates Dr Barbara Qhali
The South African Medical and Dental Practitioners (SAMDP) proudly celebrates one of its long-serving and deeply respected members, Dr Barbara Qhali, whose life’s work has once again been recognised on a national stage.
On 6 December 2025, at the prestigious South Africa Women in Business Annual Gala and End-of-Year Awards Ceremony held at the Italian Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, Dr Qhali was honoured as a Visionary Leader in the Women in Healthcare Sector — a recognition that reflects not only professional excellence, but a lifetime of service rooted in compassion, courage and purpose.
For more than three decades, Dr Qhali has travelled the dusty roads of underserved towns and townships across the Free State Province, entering homes not only as a doctor, but as a caregiver, mentor, counsellor and steadfast source of hope.
Her stethoscope is not a symbol of prestige, but an instrument of service — reaching the addicted, the elderly, the hungry, the wounded and the forgotten.
Her recognition in the Women in Business, Healthcare Sector is a powerful testament to the impact of her leadership beyond the consulting room. Through innovation, entrepreneurship and an unwavering commitment to patient care, she has built solutions that address real healthcare needs, uplift communities and create opportunities for others.
Reflecting on the honour, Dr Qhali said:
“I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. Healthcare has never been about awards for me, but about showing up — consistently, compassionately and with purpose — for those who need it most.”
Organised by Mrs Brenda Maputo and Mrs Olive Kok, in association with the renowned Imbokodo Awards, the ceremony celebrates trailblazing women whose contributions are shaping South Africa’s future.
For SAMDP, Dr Qhali’s achievement is a moment of collective pride. Her journey embodies the values we stand for — service with integrity, leadership with heart, and excellence grounded in community. She represents the many healthcare professionals who serve quietly, yet whose impact echoes across generations.
As SAMDP, we extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Barbara Qhali on this well-deserved honour. We celebrate her legacy, her humanity and her unwavering commitment to healing South Africa, one patient, one family and one community at a time.
“When a healer leads with compassion, entire communities rise.” We are proud. We are inspired. We are SAMDP.
