Jayesh Saini's vision for Africa: Unlocking new horizons in healthcare

Understanding Africa’s Healthcare Challenges

Africa is home to over 1.2 billion people, yet the continent’s healthcare systems remain underdeveloped. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa bears 24% of the global disease burden but accounts for just 1% of global healthcare expenditure. Epidemics such as Ebola, malaria, and HIV/AIDS have highlighted critical weaknesses in the healthcare infrastructure, leaving millions without adequate care.

Many governments have struggled to prioritize healthcare, with limited resources often redirected to education, economic development, or infrastructure. While the public sector worked to keep up with rising demand, Jayesh Saini saw an opportunity for the private sector to fill the gap. His focus on innovative healthcare solutions was aimed not just at alleviating immediate concerns but at creating lasting, scalable solutions for the future.

Building Lifecare Hospitals and Group: A Game-Changer in Healthcare

Jayesh’s first brain child, Bliss Healthcare, is Kenya’s largest network of outpatient medical centers and proudly boasts about its model of medical services delivery which aligns with the requirements of the diverse populations it serves. In 2017, Jayesh founded Lifecare Hospitals, which quickly became one of the fastest-growing healthcare providers in Kenya. His strategy was simple yet groundbreaking—focus on underserved areas. Lifecare Hospitals were deliberately located in regions like Bungoma, Migori, Kikuyu, and Meru, areas where access to healthcare was historically limited. This decentralization reduced the strain on Nairobi’s overburdened referral hospitals and brought much-needed services closer to those in rural communities.

Lifecare Hospitals now operates multiple facilities, offering world-class medical services in previously underserved regions. The healthcare group has expanded its services to include advanced diagnostics, such as CT scans and MRIs, in areas that previously lacked even basic healthcare infrastructure. Lifecare has not only improved healthcare access but has also been instrumental in elevating the quality of care for thousands of patients.

By 2025, Lifecare aims to have 10 operational hospitals across Kenya, with plans to expand into Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Jayesh’s long-term vision includes adding over 4,000 hospital beds across East Africa, significantly increasing the region’s capacity to manage healthcare demands.

Innovating for Sustainability and Impact

A key differentiator for Lifecare Hospitals and Group has been Jayesh’s focus on financial sustainability without compromising on the quality of care. In a region where access to capital and regulatory hurdles often stifle growth, the group has managed to navigate these challenges successfully. By adopting a lean operational model and leveraging local expertise, Lifecare has maintained a balance between offering high-quality services and keeping them affordable for the general population.

Lifecare Hospitals and Group has also embraced technology and innovation as cornerstones of its growth strategy. By investing in telemedicine, digital health platforms, and electronic health records, the group has streamlined operations and improved patient outcomes. These technological advancements have allowed Lifecare Hospitals and Group to reach more patients, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and cut down on operational inefficiencies. Moreover, Jayesh is keen to explore telehealth as a way to extend services to even more remote areas across East Africa, eliminating geographical barriers to healthcare access.

Patient-Centered Care and Workforce Empowerment

At the core of Jayesh Saini’s vision is a patient-first philosophy. Lifecare Hospitals and Group have implemented a Quality Management Policy, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their location or economic status, receive the same standard of care. This consistency across facilities has built trust within the communities Lifecare serves, positioning the group as a leader in patient-centered healthcare delivery. The group has onboarded and treats clients from reputable institutions like Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Teachers Service Commission (TSC), National Police Service (NPS), Civil Servants, corporates and several insurance companies.

Moreover, Jayesh understands that healthcare is as much about the professionals delivering the service as it is about the infrastructure. Lifecare Hospitals and Group currently employs over 4,000 professionals, from doctors and nurses to administrative staff, all of whom are continuously trained and developed. By fostering a supportive work environment and investing in its employees’ professional growth, Lifecare has attracted and retained top talent, further enhancing the quality of care provided.

Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

Beyond its commercial success, Lifecare Hospitals, under Jayesh’s leadership, has made significant contributions through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Lifecare Foundation provides free medical services to underserved communities and also conducts over 100 free medical camps annually. These camps offer essential healthcare services such as vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and treatment for common diseases, benefiting thousands of individuals who otherwise lack access to healthcare.

In addition to these efforts, the foundation also sponsors the education of orphans and underprivileged children, including those from families of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), National Police Service (NPS), Civil Servants, creating opportunities for a brighter future for many. So far, the foundation has sponsored education for over 200 orphans in Kenya. This deep commitment to social impact reflects Jayesh’s belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege, and that the private sector has a key role to play in improving societal well-being.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Lifecare Hospitals

Jayesh Saini’s ambitions for Lifecare Hospitals extend well beyond Kenya. By 2025, the group aims to expand its footprint across East Africa, with new hospitals planned in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. These facilities will offer super-specialty services such as cardiology, oncology, and nephrology, ensuring that patients across the region have access to top-tier medical care without needing to seek treatment abroad.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Impact

Jayesh Saini’s journey from an entrepreneur to the founder of one of Africa’s fastest-growing healthcare networks is nothing short of remarkable. His unwavering commitment to accessibility, affordability, and quality has redefined what is possible in the region’s healthcare industry. Through Lifecare Hospitals, and Group Jayesh has not only built a healthcare network but has also laid the foundation for a more equitable healthcare future across Africa.

As he continues to expand Lifecare’s reach, Jayesh remains steadfast in his belief that “healthcare is for everyone.” His vision is clear—no one should be left behind, and with his leadership, Africa is unlocking new horizons in healthcare.

The pages slugged ‘Brand Connect’ are equivalent to advertisements and are not written and produced by Forbes India journalists.