Empowering South Africa’s Young Doctors: The Hlola EmpowerCare Initiative
South Africa faces a dual healthcare crisis: too many qualified young doctors are unemployed after completing community service, while vast numbers of people still struggle to access primary healthcare services.
That’s why SAdocs has partnered with Hlola EmpowerCare, led by Innov8 Group Holdings in a bold response to both challenges.
Through this national initiative, 400 unemployed doctors under the age of 35 will be trained, equipped, and supported to launch their own hybrid healthcare micro-enterprises—bringing care directly to the primary healthcare space that needs it most.
From Unemployed to Empowered
With limited opportunities in the public sector and few doctors trained in the business of healthcare, many find themselves stuck after community service. Starting a private practice is often unrealistic without the necessary tools, funding, or entrepreneurial knowledge.
Hlola EmpowerCare bridges this gap by providing:
Home-grown mobile ultrasound (POCUS) technology
MypocketHealth virtual care platform
Clinical and entrepreneurial training, including certification and business development
Support to integrate into existing care pathways
Doctors will not only receive bespoke clinical training, but also business management and commercial skills to help them establish and grow sustainable practices.
Driving Impact Where It’s Needed Most
With the support of RLabs South Africa and Innovation Edge, the programme will equip doctors with mobile diagnostic technology, virtual care tools, and critical business skills needed to build and run sustainable healthcare ventures.
This model empowers doctors to earn a living while driving long-term, community-based health outcomes.
Backed by National Partners
Hlola EmpowerCare is led by Innov8 Group Holdings, in partnership with SAdocs, and is funded by the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN) Innovation Fund, under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Ready to Make an Impact? 
If you’re a medical doctor under 35, have completed your community service, and are currently unemployed, Hlola EmpowerCare is your opportunity to transform your future—and healthcare in South Africa.
Click here to apply now or find more information at https://hlolacare.co.za/.
Empower yourself. Serve your community. Build the future of healthcare.
*Closing date is 14 August 2025.