Bob Tremblett introduced Drs. Daniel and Chantal Pillay, two medical doctors who came to Sussex in January from South Africa to the Club on May 15, 2017.
At present, only Dr. Daniel Pillay has been approved to practice in New Brunswick but both and developing positive relationships within the community...
Dr. Pillay and his wife are of Indian descent, but both were born and raised in South Africa. In comparing South Africa to Canada, Dr. Pillay stated that 55 million people live in a country that is one-tenth of the size of Canada.
South Africa is a mineral-rich country and produces 90% of the world’s platinum, 30% of the world’s gold, and was the first country to perform a heart transplant operation. South Africa is very multicultural and has 11 official languages. South Africa became a democracy in 1994 after 43 years of apartheid rule. Unfortunately, there are still deep wounds in the social fabric.
Dr. Pillay shared some of the obstacles with immigration and the medical re-certification process for Canada. Their journey to Canada started in 2013, but it has taken four years to complete the necessary paperwork.
He praised the Canadian health care system for equal access to health care for everyone. Despite the lengthy process and dramatic adjustments in climate, Dr. Pillays appreciate the Canadian culture and its welcoming spirit.
Rotarian Melissa Cummings-Keith thanked our speaker.