Helen Habteslasie Keleta (Eritrea)

Helen Habteslasie Keleta (Eritrea)

(Founder and CEO of East Africa Hafeshawi Medical Center)

www.eastafricamedicalcenter.com 

Helen Habteslasie Keleta is a woman of unwavering determination, the driving force behind East Africa Hafeshawi Medical Center, a high-impact business providing affordable healthcare to refugees in Uganda. As the Founder and CEO of this well-established health center, Helen's journey began in January 2018 when she decided to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need of good and accessible medical care.

Originally an engineer working with different family construction companies, Helen's life took a turn when she became an Eritrean refugee living in Kampala in 2016. Observing her fellow refugee mothers facing challenges in seeking medical care due to language barriers and financial constraints, Helen was deeply moved to find a solution. The language barrier posed significant difficulties in obtaining the right patient information and proper care, and she realized that a healthcare solution tailored to the refugee community was desperately needed.

Driven by her compassion and commitment to making a positive impact, Helen founded East Africa Hafeshawi Medical Center. The medical center started with a 5-bed capacity and has since expanded to accommodate 25 beds, opening two branches in different areas of Kampala to reduce transport costs and reach more clients. By hiring native professional doctors and nurses, Helen effectively addressed the language barrier and opened much-needed job opportunities for both refugees and locals.

Helen's vision for her company is to become the healthcare 'Provider of Choice' in East Africa, offering safe, quality, and affordable high-level health services while exceeding customer expectations. Her mission revolves around providing comprehensive, trusted, and compassionate healthcare services that go beyond conventional care.

The success of East Africa Hafeshawi Medical Center lies in its unique approach to healthcare delivery. Not only does the center offer essential medical services, but it also provides health education and awareness through social media, religious centres, and outreach programs. Helen's team goes the extra mile by interacting with different communities through blood donation and environmental hygiene activities, bridging the gap between refugees and Ugandans.

Facing challenges head-on, Helen's company overcomes obstacles through strategic partnerships with hospitals and diagnostic centres, the delegation of responsibilities according to talent and expertise, and the encouragement of creative problem-solving within her team. Furthermore, basic computer courses and integrated hospital vein system courses enable efficient communication and time management.

Helen envisions further growth and improvement for East Africa Hafeshawi Medical Center. Her future plans include expanding and opening more branches, working with insurance companies to attract regular clients, and adding more medical services like imaging, ambulance services, and home care.

As a first-time entrepreneur, Helen's journey has been marked by resilience and the determination to never give up. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is one of perseverance and continuous learning from both successes and failures. Helen believes in the power of collaboration, embracing diversity, and embracing the beauty of life's challenges.

With Helen Habteslasie Keleta at the helm, East Africa Hafeshawi Medical Center continues to be a beacon of hope, providing accessible healthcare and positively impacting the lives of countless individuals in Uganda. Through her dedication and innovative approach to healthcare, Helen's inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the profound difference it can make in the lives of others.

(Information from Lionesses of Africa)