LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY

One Health Medical Centre, a modern, healthcare services provider on a mission to promote wellness, preventive care, and healthy living

Dr Michelle Muhanda is a medical doctor trained at the University of Nairobi in Kenya with 18 years’ experience in Healthcare, Business Administration, Occupational Health & Safety, Pharmaceuticals, Health Economics, Insurance, and Marketing working with the Ministry of Health, Private Sector, NGOs and other organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medicine & Surgery, a Master’s in Business Administration from United States International University, a Masters of Philosophy in Palliative Care from University of Cape Town and a Diploma in Insurance from CII. She is also an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with the Ministry of Labor. Her objective is to improve the health and quality of life of people by developing and implementing health and safety strategies geared to health promotion that will provide leadership in healthcare services. Michelle started the business in 2018 and today it has created jobs for 12 people.

Lioness Weekender spoke to Dr Michelle Muhanda about her passion for healthcare and her mission to provide high quality, convenient and affordable health services for local people.

What does your company do?

One Health Medical Center is a modern, healthcare services provider with 2 branches located on Standard Street, Central Business District and in the heart of Hurlingham in Nairobi.

It was incorporated in Kenya, registered with the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (MPDB) as a Level 3A Medical Centre, Ministry of labour – Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health, The Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) as a Class E Laboratory, The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and The Radiation Protection Board. One Health has also been mapped by the Kenya Master Health Facility List (KMHFL) and are NHIF Accredited.

One Health is located on the ground floor of Unipen Building managed by the University of Nairobi Pension Fund that is highly suitable for the Medical Centre and on Westminster House, Standard Street in central business district on the ground floor. We provide at the medical centre outpatient services including doctor’s consultations, Occupational Health and Safety, specialist consultation services through a panel of medical specialists(surgeons, gynaecologist, paediatricians, orthopaedic, psychiatrists), diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound services, clinical laboratory services, pharmacy, physiotherapy, day theatre services and dental services.

In addition, we provide at the clinic and/or on our clients’ premises, other medical services with the focus on wellness and preventive care, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) services, Pre-Employment Check-up Services and Chronic Disease Management. We also provide training and audits on first aid, occupational health and safety and fire.

What inspired you to start your company?

I wanted to ensure we have quality and affordable health services available to everyone leveraging on technology and innovation. I noted that there was a gap in the healthcare system in Kenya. My dream is to promote wellness and healthy living building a lasting lifestyle change to my clients.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

One Health prides at offering high quality, convenient and affordable health services aligned to our client’s lifestyles. We have a number of urgent care services under one roof. We are driven by our commitment to deliver value-based quality healthcare services to all those who patronize the clinic, to promote optimal well-being and to work with our clients as a team. We are focused on improving lives and leaving a lasting lifestyle change.

Tell us a little about your team:

My team consists of healthcare workers who are passionate about health service delivery. I am a medical doctor and the founding CEO. I work with a Medical Officer, Consulting Specialists (5 Surgeons, 4 Gynecologists and 1 Psychiatrist) Nurse, Theatre Nurse, Pharmacist, Lab Technician, Nutritionist, Physiotherapists, Radiographer, Sonographer, Administrator and cleaner.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I founded One Health in 2018. I graduated from University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine and Surgery in 2007. I proceeded to work for the government and later private health facilities and private companies. I developed an interest in healthcare administration and pursued a master’s in business administration.

I worked with UAP Old Mutual Insurance company where i was involved in developing, training and implementing medical practices aimed at providing leadership in the provision of healthcare to the members as well as managing costs and healthcare outcomes.

I was able to get an overview of the Healthcare facilities in Kenya and noted the gaps that were there. This became my inspiration to start One Health Medical Centre with the aim of bridging the gap and providing the much-needed urgent care in Kenya.

Starting was not easy as I had to look for capital to set up the hospital. Majority of banks do not fund startups. I was able to set up the clinic get clients who have always patronized the clinic. Over the years I have been met with many challenges that I have managed to overcome.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

One Health Medical Centre aims to provide a national network of modern client friendly medical clinics that leverage on technology. I aim to have at least 10 branches country wide and later expand to outside Kenya. I am also looking at changing the model to include in patient medical care.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

The greatest satisfaction comes implementing my own vision, tracking the progress and celebrating my success. It's challenging bearing failures alone however the journey of hard work brings a lot of satisfaction. There is also satisfaction in hiring and mentoring talent and watching individuals grow in their career.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

It's not easy being an entrepreneur and especially a woman. You have to be resilient and not give up.

To find out more about One Health Medical Centre, contact Michelle Muhanda via email: Michelle@onehealth.co.ke or visit the company’s online platforms:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OneHealthKenya

Twitter: http://x.com/drmichellem?lang=en

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/onehealthmedicalcenter?igsh=MTY1ejc5YzlhY2cwOQ==