Establishing Community-based Private Healthcare Clinic

Nigerian healthcare sector may be marred with a lot of challenges, but it also has huge business prospect, especially at the rural area.

In Lagos state for instance, the state is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, with the year 2020 estimated population of 14,368,000. It is one of the most densely populated state in the country, accounting for approximately seven per cent of the national population.

Yet, Lagos state has a total hospital/clinic population of 2,333: 458 public and 1875 private, out of which 1574 are primary health facilities, 756 are secondary, and three are tertiary, which are not enough to cater for the health needs of its residents.
This calls for more healthcare centers to be established to improve the healthcare sector in the country.

Guides to setting up a clinic
Before diving into a business, the first thing to do is to embark on a thorough market research, a report by SME Guide averred, adding that, there is need to assess Nigeria’s healthcare gaps, demand factors and competitive landscape.

“Analyze disease prevalence and morbidity/mortality data to identify high-burden health needs; review national and state-level health statistics; study potential patient demographics including population size, income, insurance coverage, cultural factors and accessibility of existing hospitals and survey residents on pressing health challenges and perceptions of currently available services etc, are the things one must assess before embarking on the venture. A thorough feasibility analysis will outline service gaps your hospital can viably fill and inform every subsequent planning decision,” SME Guide report further disclosed.

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The next step is to choose areas of focus, which include general outpatient care; inpatient medical/surgical care; obstetrics and maternity; pediatrics; diagnostics – Lab tests and imaging.

According to the report, “High-volume primary care and outpatient services will drive daily revenues. Inpatient services bring prestige and high margins but require substantial investment. You can also introduce targeted specialty services over time based on demand, resources and medical talent availability. Focus areas like cardiology, orthopaedics and ophthalmology boost reputation. Consider A&E/trauma services if capacity permits.”
It is also advisable to partner with medical device suppliers to equip diagnostic departments with the latest technologies for accurate, efficient testing; this builds referral networks with other providers as well, the report advised.

“You must also obtain hospital licenses, permits and professional services. Extensive licensing and compliance processes must be completed before your hospital opens for business. The licensing process examines hospital facilities, equipment, safety, waste management and staff credentials. Hire experienced consultants to guide compliance.

“Next, is to design world-class facilities tailored to your model. Your hospital layout and design should enable smooth patient flow, efficient operations and service expansion over time.

“After that, you must keep initial investment focused on essential facilities aligned to starting services. Avoid overbuilding beyond foreseeable demand. Expand wisely over time and then recruit highly qualified clinical and administrative staff, as a top-notch staff is a hospital’s greatest asset. Clinical excellence and patient experience depend deeply on people. Invest heavily in recruiting stellar medical and support professionals.
“We advise you compensate all staff competitively to attract top talent. Have robust HR policies and code of conduct in place pre-launch. Nurture a culture of highest clinical ethics and safety,” it disclosed.

The report also advised that the right medical equipment and technologies should be installed as they boost efficiency, accuracy and patient outcomes significantly, “After which, it is time to market your hospital’s services strategically as effective marketing shapes a hospital’s reputation, attracts patients and builds doctor referral networks. Promote your services assertively from launch,” it advised.

The report also recommended the need to create a distinct brand identity that convey your mission, values and service quality, adding that, “Use it consistently across platforms. You should also design recognizable logos, signage and uniforms. Ensure positive patient interactions reinforce your brand promise.”

It is now time to launch an engaging website, the report advised, adding that, “Create a responsive, user-friendly website highlighting your services, technologies, medical team, facilities and contact options. You can also leverage targeted social media promotions, by running social media promotions offering health education, especially for services you provide. Use demographic targeting.

“You can also utilize print and outdoor advertising. Place clever outdoor and print advertisements at high-visibility hotspots. Distribute pamphlets, brochures and discount vouchers in your locality. Focus on driving awareness over direct sales. Build local mindshare over time through continuous outreach.

“Next is to develop patient-centric processes and staff training, to retain customers. A positive patient experience is crucial for reputation and loyalty. Make customer service excellence a priority across all hospital processes.”