Startup Story
Dr Unami Elias-Mosepele is the founder and director of Kgato Paediatrics Clinic in Botswana, a company that provides primary health care to children and adolescents. The business has been running for 1 year 9 months and today has 3 permanent employees and 2 part-time employees. Unami is a Paediatrician with more than 10 years’ experience in the medical field.
LoA spoke to Dr Unami Elias-Mosepele about her entrepreneur journey, her passion for healthcare, and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
We provide primary (outpatient) healthcare to children from birth to 18 years of age.
What inspired you to start your company?
After graduation I was transferred to a hospital which was 70km from the city where my family was based. I had to commute since I couldn't leave my 2 girls with their father and move to where I was now working, and it was strenuous. The lack of resources in government hospitals, the lack of what you think are basic things, is what frustrated me the most. I felt like I was underutilized.
“Kgato Paediatrics Clinic is a walk-in clinic, so parents can bring their children to the clinic whenever they need to without booking and waiting for a long period because the doctor doesn't have a slot to book for them.”
“I look forward to opening a 24-hour clinic in the near future, and possibly a children's hospital. All these plans will create jobs for the youth in my country.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Kgato Paediatrics Clinic is a walk-in clinic, so parents can bring their children to the clinic whenever they need to without booking and waiting for a long period because the doctor doesn't have a slot to book for them. We provide a timely, patient-focused service.
Tell us a little about your team:
We are a team of 3 permanent employees, the Pediatrician, receptionist, cleaner and 2 temporary employees, a nurse, and an accountant. The team has gained experience in their respective fields and are all lovely friendly people.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My mother owned a tuck-shop which my sisters and I used to run after school and on weekends. We used to help her to sell food as well when there were sports competitions in our village. The whole family used to harvest phane and sell it for profits. My mother was a very hard-working woman, who instilled discipline in us. She passed away in 2014, and in a way, I see her in this entrepreneurial journey.
“The expression of gratitude and happiness I get from the children and their parents when they get better is what gives me satisfaction.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I look forward to opening a 24-hour clinic in the near future, and possibly a children's hospital. All these plans will create jobs for the youth in my country.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The expression of gratitude and happiness I get from the children and their parents when they get better.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The funding will never be enough, so if you want to start a business start with the little you have. Business needs patience.
Find out more:
Email: admin@kgatopaediatrics.co.bw
Website: https://kgatopaediatrics.co.bw/
Why LoA loves it…
Building communities with healthy people is key to thriving economies, and so having access to quality, affordable healthcare is so important. Dr Unamil Elias-Mosapele understands this need, and her passion to make a difference is helping to provide real and affordable, quality healthcare solutions for the generation. She is an inspiration to her community, to other healthcare providers in her country, and to her fellow women entrepreneurs in healthcare. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa