FORMER fashion designer Schnel Francis hopes to redefine the health sector with the establishment of a mobile health care operation – Heal in Motion.

The company, which began operating in June last year, has already garnered the attention of many Jamaicans with its service.

“What I noticed about the health care industry is that it’s very impersonal,” Francis told the Jamaica Observer. “So I decided to take on a business like this because I felt that if you’re meeting someone on one of the worst days they’re having, there should be some sort of care.”

Prior to the establishment of Heal in Motion, the University of the West Indies student produced designer clothing for Saint International shows including Fashion Block, International Mecca of Style, Avant-Garde and Model Icon.

“I’ve always done fashion, but after a while I thought the area wasn’t really giving me what I wanted and so I brainstormed to find something that would work well with my personality, and since I am a lover of the elderly, this is what I came up with,” she added.

Heal in Motion currently provides home health care services such as diabetes management, asthma care, wound and catheter care, senior citizens’ and kids’ care. Francis has partnered with four individuals including two practical nurses, a registered nurse and a doctor to carry out operations.

“It’s in-home health care, so if you have non-invasive problems and you don’t have the time or energy to go to the doctor’s office, you can give us a call and we will send someone in to assist you,” she told the Sunday Finance.

“We also do senior care because many working individuals need someone to take care of their parents or the older people in their life,” Francis stated.

The services, which start at $3,000, incorporate vital signs monitoring, insulin injections and providing companionship to many elderly patients, according to the 26-year-old.

“When we come into your house we usually set up a small water fountain and spray an essential oil diffuser. It’s very important for you to have a good experience with Heal in Motion, as anyone can come into your home and run a few tests,” she said.

Francis stated that although the business

has steadily improved, the initial idea of providing mobile health care services was very ‘scary’.

The young entrepreneur has invested $100,000 in getting the equipment needed to start operations. Additionally, she had the help of the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC) in developing the idea and preparing her business model.

“I am the first person in my family to start a business. I knew I wanted to have something of my own and I’ve done little things here and there, but nothing of this magnitude, so it was crazy at first,” she said.

“Herold Davis at the JBDC was very instrumental in getting me to the point where I am now, and it was also very difficult for me to get a loan, so I had to finance the company on my own,” Francis added.

She plans on expanding operations to provide 24-hour ambulance services as well as supplying patients with adjustable beds and walking aids.

“Right now we are Kingston-based, but in the future I would like to be able to offer islandwide coverage,” she said.