INTRODUCTION Healthcare professionals are perhaps amongst the least educated in entrepreneurship and financial management. This is because the academic nature of the various professions frowns upon the idea of looking at the business aspect of their trade. Healthcare students and workers who try to go into business are often seen and perceived as selfish and greedy. Over the past 6 years however, increasing number of professionals are beginning to entertain the idea of making money from their trade outside the government sector. Young entrepreneurs are increasingly setting up and running their businesses even before they complete their internship program. I have had the privilege of getting to know and working with some of them. OVER THE PAST DECADE, I have witnessed various healthcare businesses spring up across the country, especially in the nation's capital. Even though most of these businesses are of the traditional type (hospital and maternity Homes), there is an increase in innovative business models. These innovative business models are well established models in developed countries whilst others are models specific for our local environment. The opportunities are enormous and varied and can be embarked upon by any individual or groups. Irrespective of the type of business, there is a need to do proper planning and market research to determine the suitability of the business for the various different business models that exist even for the same type of business. The businesses outlined in this book are not tailored or paired with any particular profession. This is because we believe that healthcare entrepreneurs should not limit themselves to a particular healthcare profession regardless of their own professional background. Hospitals and maternity homes are not the only businesses you can set up. There are more than 50 opportunities in the healthcare sector and the purpose of this book is to draw your attention to some of them. To inform, excite and inspire you to start your own healthcare practice is why I wrote this book. You don't have to be a healthcare worker to start a healthcare business. And even for those in the healthcare profession, your knowledge in healthcare alone will not be enough. You need to get necessary qualification in Business management.
About the Author: Dr. Joseph Kofi Gyanteh is a well-known personality within the medical fraternity in the West African country of Ghana. He is a Healthcare Business Startup consultant. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biological science from University of Botswana, BSc Medicine and Surgery from University of Ghana medical school and he is currently a candidate for Masters in Health Economics and Management at the University of South Wales. He is the Founder and CEO of Ghana Locum Group. He is married with a daughter and currently staying in Dansoman, Accra. He enjoys travelling around the country and helping Healthcare Businesses to set up. He is also a Health care advocate and has on several occasions petitioned the Parliamentary health select committee on issues concerning health care delivery in Ghana. He has worked in several hospitals in Ghana including Government and Private Hospitals and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency under the Ministry. This is a book for healthcare entrepreneurs. It is essential for those who want to start up a business to supplement their main work and also beneficial for those who are struggling with their already existing practice. It offers an exciting in-depth view of the various healthcare based businesses, challenges and Tips on how to approach the set-up.. This Edition covers topics such as financial sourcing, advertisement, recruitment, management, and registration of your business.