Dr. Jean Yankson, the CEO of Health Wise Medical Centre in Tema, Ghana, has a remarkable journey in the field of healthcare. With a master’s in Occupational Health from Cardiff University and a postgraduate diploma in Petroleum Medicine from the Norwegian Institute of Maritime Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
When asked about her experience transitioning from the public sector to the private sector, Dr. Yankson emphasized the importance of learning from different systems. She mentioned that while working in the public sector, she felt limited in making the changes she desired. This led her to work with an international organization before ultimately deciding to establish her own health facility.
Health Wise Medical Centre initially focused on occupational health but has since expanded to offer general healthcare and various specialties. The center boasts a 20-bed capacity with a well-equipped theater, emergency room, delivery suite, nursing department, pharmacy, laboratory, medical department, and radiology department. Additionally, the center runs five side clinics in various sectors, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
Starting a healthcare facility, like any startup, came with its challenges. Dr. Yankson highlighted financial constraints as a significant hurdle but noted that they were able to secure basic financing to get operations running. Another challenge was recruiting and training staff to align with the vision of the center, especially transitioning from the public to the private sector.
On a personal level, Dr. Yankson mentioned the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with a young family. However, her dedication and passion for improving healthcare services in Ghana have driven her to overcome these obstacles and build Health Wise Medical Centre into a reputable institution.
Regarding gender dynamics in the medical field, Dr. Yankson acknowledged historical disparities but noted positive changes over the years. She recalled her time in medical school when there were more females than males in her class, highlighting the progress in encouraging more women to pursue careers in medicine.
Dr. Jean Yankson’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery, making Health Wise Medical Centre a beacon of quality healthcare in Ghana.
