In a move that could usher in a more decentralised, entrepreneur-led healthcare model in South Africa, the Resensis School of Entrepreneurship has launched a pilot program to prepare doctors to become business owners and healthcare innovators.
Regenesis will run the initiative in collaboration with the Health and Wellbeing Sector Education and Training Authority.
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Unlocking funding and mentorship
The program will equip doctors with the skills to build and run sustainable medical practices while unlocking access to funding and mentorship.
The six-month program, which will begin this week with two pilot groups, includes practical immersion in existing health care practices.
Over the next few years, the program aims to train 1,000 doctors, with a focus on those entering private practice or wishing to set up independent healthcare enterprises.
Participants will receive structured entrepreneurial training, which will include business design, medical billing systems, regulatory compliance and partnerships, along with mentorship and industry support.
The program also offers a funding pathway.
The top five practitioners will each receive R100,000 in grant funding to help launch their practices, while RH fund managers will provide access to loans of up to R1m to support equipment and infrastructure.
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filling an important gap
Dr. Rebetswe Kgorodira, CEO of Regenesis School of Entrepreneurship, says the program addresses a critical gap in South Africa's health care ecosystem.
“Doctors are highly trained clinically, but very few doctors are equipped to run sustainable, scalable healthcare businesses.
“This program is about unlocking that potential so that medical professionals can extend their influence beyond the consulting room and into the wider health system.”
Kagorodira says the long-term goal is to create a new generation of health care entrepreneurs who can improve access, efficiency and innovation across the sector.
“We are training doctors to start practices, but we are also enabling them to create viable enterprises that can employ others, expand access to care and respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.
“This has a direct impact on the strength and resilience of health care in South Africa.”
The program is fully funded and targeted at unemployed doctors, those completing community service and professionals transitioning to private practice.