It was March 2016 and Lynda Toussaint CEO of Unjani Clinics was feeling satisfied that their 20th clinic had opened successfully. The clinics were now seeing an average of 7000 patients a month, many of whom were repeat clients, employing 60 staff members and providing an example of a new approach to medical care provision for low income communities in South Africa. Five more clinics were to open in the next four months. She knew Unjani needed to have 50 clinics operational for the Non Profit Company to become self-sustaining and independent of donor funds. Lynda’s mind was running: Where to get more funding from? What would be needed to run clinics in provinces at a distance from the head office especially where they didn’t have a working relationship with the provincial health system? Should Unjani have a new strategic thrust into low cost medical aid schemes or wellness programs, which employers could subscribe to for their staff?
[Excerpt from teaching case, written by Prof. Margie Sutherland]