Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

ProCura Technologies is a health tech startup that offers an inventory app, ProCura, helping healthcare facilities manage their medical devices efficiently, optimizing logistics and reducing waste.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

ProCura Technologies is a pioneering health tech startup based in Ghana. We are developing an innovative inventory management app, ProCura, specifically designed for healthcare facilities. The app revolutionizes the way medical devices are managed, tracked, and maintained. By providing real-time data on device usage, availability, and maintenance schedules, it helps healthcare providers optimize their resources, reduce waste, and improve patient care. The app also uses various metrics to provide valuable insights, enabling healthcare facilities to make informed decisions. ProCura Technologies is at the forefront of transforming healthcare management, making it more efficient, sustainable, and patient-centric.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

ProCura is addressing the challenge of inefficient inventory management in healthcare facilities. Many healthcare providers struggle with tracking medical devices, leading to waste, inefficiencies, and potential patient safety risks. ProCura's app aims to streamline this process, providing real-time insights into device usage, availability, and maintenance schedules. By doing so, it helps healthcare facilities optimize their resources, reduce waste, and ultimately, enhance patient care. This is a significant step towards more sustainable and efficient healthcare management.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Efficiency: ProCura’s inventory management app streamlines the tracking and maintenance of medical devices, reducing time spent on manual inventory checks. This allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient care. Cost Savings: By providing real-time data on device usage and availability, ProCura helps prevent overstocking and underutilization of devices. This leads to significant cost savings for healthcare facilities. Improved Patient Care: With better inventory management, healthcare providers can ensure that necessary medical devices are always available when needed, leading to improved patient care. Data-Driven Decisions: ProCura provides valuable insights through various metrics, enabling healthcare facilities to make informed decisions based on data, not just intuition. Sustainability: By reducing waste from overstocking and underutilization, ProCura contributes to more sustainable healthcare management.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

ProCura’s inventory management app is primarily aimed at serving healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. The targeted beneficiaries are: Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff can benefit from efficient inventory management, which ensures that necessary medical devices are always available when needed. Healthcare Administrators: The app helps administrators make informed decisions about device procurement and maintenance, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Patients: Ultimately, patients are the end beneficiaries. Improved inventory management leads to better patient care, as it ensures timely availability of medical devices. Environment: By reducing waste from overstocking and underutilization, ProCura contributes to more sustainable healthcare management, benefiting the environment.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Jemila - is a dedicated and innovative Biomedical Engineering graduate currently pursuing a Master of Engineering (MEng.) in Biomedical Engineering at the prestigious University of Toronto. She is on a mission to make a positive impact through research and technology.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/procura-technologies

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Efficiency and Cost Savings: By optimizing inventory management in healthcare facilities, ProCura can lead to significant cost savings. This could potentially reduce the financial burden on healthcare providers and patients, contributing to poverty reduction. Job Creation: The development, deployment, and maintenance of ProCura’s app could create new jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors, contributing to income generation and poverty reduction. Improved Healthcare: By enhancing the efficiency of healthcare services, ProCura can contribute to better health outcomes. Good health is a key factor in poverty reduction, as it enables individuals to work and earn a living.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Healthcare Efficiency: Better health outcomes, facilitated by efficient healthcare services, can enable individuals to work and earn a living, indirectly contributing to the reduction of hunger.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Efficient Healthcare Services: ProCura’s app streamlines the management of medical devices in healthcare facilities, ensuring their timely availability and maintenance. This leads to more efficient healthcare services, which is a key aspect of SDG 3. Reduced Healthcare Costs: By optimizing inventory management, ProCura can help reduce healthcare costs. Lower costs can make healthcare services more accessible, contributing to the goal of universal health coverage. Data-Driven Decisions: The app provides valuable insights that can help healthcare facilities make data-driven decisions. This can lead to improved patient care and health outcomes, aligning with the aim of SDG 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Digital Health Solutions: As a digital health solution, ProCura can enhance direct patient interaction, health informatics, and telemedicine, which are recognized as important elements in achieving SDG 3.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Digital Literacy: The use of ProCura’s app requires basic digital literacy. Therefore, its implementation could encourage the development of digital skills among healthcare providers. Training and Capacity Building: The deployment of ProCura’s app would involve training sessions for healthcare providers, contributing to their professional development and lifelong learning. Data-Driven Decisions: The insights provided by ProCura’s app could be used in educational settings, such as medical and nursing schools, to teach students about inventory management and data-driven decision-making.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Job Creation: The development, deployment, and maintenance of ProCura’s app would create new jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors, potentially providing employment opportunities for women. Healthcare Access: By improving the efficiency of healthcare services, ProCura contributes to better health outcomes for all, including women and girls.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

ProCura Technologies’ primary focus is on healthcare inventory management, which aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. However, its contribution to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, is indirect. Efficient Resource Management: ProCura’s app optimizes the use of resources in healthcare facilities, which could potentially be applied to water and sanitation management, contributing to more efficient use of these critical resources

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Efficient Resource Management: ProCura’s app optimizes the use of resources in healthcare facilities, which could potentially be applied to energy management, contributing to more efficient use of energy. Data-Driven Decisions: The insights provided by ProCura’s app could be used in energy management, helping facilities make data-driven decisions that improve energy efficiency.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Job Creation: The development, deployment, and maintenance of ProCura’s app could create new jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors, contributing to economic growth. Efficiency and Cost Savings: By optimizing inventory management in healthcare facilities, ProCura can lead to significant cost savings. This could potentially reduce the financial burden on healthcare providers and patients, contributing to economic growth. Digital Literacy: The use of ProCura’s app requires basic digital literacy. Therefore, its implementation could encourage the development of digital skills among healthcare providers, which is a key aspect of decent work. Data-Driven Decisions: The insights provided by ProCura’s app could be used in educational settings, such as medical and nursing schools, to teach students about inventory management and data-driven decision-making.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Innovation: ProCura’s app is an innovative solution that uses digital technology to optimize inventory management in healthcare facilities. Infrastructure: The app helps healthcare facilities manage their medical devices more efficiently, contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure. Sustainable Industrialization: By reducing waste and improving efficiency, ProCura promotes sustainable industrialization. Job Creation: The development and maintenance of ProCura’s app could create new jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors, contributing to economic growth. Digital Economy: Efficient and affordable ICT infrastructure and services, like ProCura’s app, help countries engage in the digital economy and boost their economic competitiveness and well-being

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Healthcare Access: By improving the efficiency of healthcare services, ProCura can help ensure that medical devices are available when needed, potentially reducing health inequalities. Digital Inclusion: The use of ProCura’s app requires basic digital literacy. Therefore, its implementation could promote digital inclusion, helping to reduce the digital divide. Job Creation: The development and maintenance of ProCura’s app could create new jobs in the tech and healthcare sectors, potentially providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Efficient Resource Management: ProCura’s app optimizes the use of resources in healthcare facilities, which could potentially be applied to city management, contributing to more sustainable cities. Data-Driven Decisions: The insights provided by ProCura’s app could be used in city management, helping cities make data-driven decisions that improve sustainability. Healthcare Access: By improving the efficiency of healthcare services, ProCura can contribute to better health outcomes, which are closely linked to sustainable cities

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Efficient Resource Management: ProCura’s app optimizes the use of resources in healthcare facilities, which could potentially be applied to other sectors, contributing to more sustainable consumption and production. Waste Reduction: By optimizing inventory management, ProCura can help reduce waste in healthcare facilities, aligning with the goal of sustainable consumption and production. Sustainable Procurement: The insights provided by ProCura’s app could be used to make procurement decisions that favor sustainable products and services.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Digitalization: By digitizing the management of medical devices, your app reduces the need for paper-based records, thus saving trees and reducing carbon emissions associated with paper production. Efficiency: Efficient management of medical devices can lead to their optimal usage and longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus the waste associated with discarded devices. Maintenance: Regular maintenance reminders can ensure devices are running at their most efficient, potentially reducing energy consumption. Remote Access: The app can be accessed remotely, reducing the need for travel and thus lowering carbon emissions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Presently, we do not know how the project will contribute to SDG 14. In the future, we could explore such possibilities.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Presently, we do not know how the project will contribute to SDG 15. In the future, we could explore such possibilities.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Inclusive Societies: By providing a platform that enables healthcare facilities to better manage their medical devices, we are promoting inclusivity. This is because efficient management of medical resources can lead to better healthcare services for all, including marginalized and underserved communities. Access to Justice: While ProCura may not directly provide access to justice, it does promote fairness by ensuring that all healthcare facilities, regardless of their size or location, have access to a tool that can help them improve their services. Effective, Accountable Institutions: ProCura promotes accountability in healthcare facilities by providing a transparent system for managing medical devices. It also contributes to effectiveness by helping these facilities optimize their resources, which can lead to improved patient care.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Partnerships: ProCura’s work in healthcare technology can foster partnerships between healthcare facilities, tech companies, and other stakeholders, aligning with the goal of strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development. Technology: ProCura’s app is a digital solution that can enhance access to science, technology, and innovation. It can also promote the development, transfer, dissemination, and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies. Capacity Building: The deployment of ProCura’s app would involve training sessions for healthcare providers, contributing to their professional development and lifelong learning. Digital Economy: Efficient and affordable ICT infrastructure and services, like ProCura, help countries engage in the digital economy and boost their economic competitiveness and well-being

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

2

05.08 Justification

ProCura is a unique and innovative solution in the health tech sector. It addresses a specific need for efficient, data-driven inventory management in healthcare facilities. While there are similar products/services, ProCura’s approach sets it apart. It leverages digital tools to provide real-time data and insights, helping healthcare facilities optimize their resources, reduce waste, and improve patient care. It’s not just a new version of an old product/service, but a unique solution that extends the range of digital solutions available for healthcare management. It’s a great example of how digital technologies can contribute to the fulfillment of the SDGs.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

ProCura’s main competitors could be other health tech companies offering inventory management solutions. However, what sets ProCura apart is its specific focus on healthcare facilities and medical devices. Its real-time data and insights help optimize resources, reduce waste, and improve patient care. Furthermore, ProCura’s user-friendly interface and commitment to digital literacy make it accessible to a wide range of users. Its unique approach to addressing the specific needs of healthcare facilities gives it a competitive edge.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, I have had and moderated peer support meetings that support entrepreneurs. The attendance of female entrepreneurs has been improving gradually and plans are being made to reach out to more female entrepreneurs.