Do not stop studying, searching and trying!

The interview was conducted by Bekhzod Umarov

December 13, 2022
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

Today our heroine is Nozimahon Kazikhonova, founder of the project «Online-Nurse», winner of the 5th round of the programme for supporting innovative ideas and start-up projects of youth «Startup-initiatives».

She lives in Margilan, Fergana region. She’s 23 years old. The alumna of Fergana State University Nosimahon shared the following during the interview:

Since I have a great interest in medicine, one idea has never left me alone. The majority of the population wants to be treated at home because it is difficult for elderly people, hard-to-walk patients and mothers with many children to go to the clinic. We thought of a convenient service for them. With the help of our project, people can receive the necessary care services at home or in nursing houses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

I realized the relevance of my project during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals and clinics were overcrowded, patients with mild illness were sent home. And they needed the services of nurses. This convinced me that I was moving in the right direction and that we could take our niche in the service market.

I heard a lot about the Startup Initiative programme when I was a student. I applied for the programme because I thought I should take this opportunity, that it would help me realize my idea. I was very lucky, my application was chosen from the thousands of applications submitted and I had the opportunity to participate in the programme.

The programme brought my idea to the level of a start-up project, helped to implement it. It helped us to correct mistakes, learn from experienced business representatives, get inspiration and make many new useful acquaintances.

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

During the programme all lessons, meetings with businessmen, exchange of ideas with friends left unforgettable impressions. Particularly exciting was the DemoDay stage. The awards ceremony and events were very inspiring. All stages of the competition I liked and remembered.

By winning the program, I received 50 million sums. We used this money for the first steps of our project. Participating in this programme has given us both knowledge and grant money, and in this way we were able to implement our project.

In the beginning of 2022 we registered LLC «Online Nurse». I also took part in the competition «100 ideas for Uzbekistan» and took the prize place there too. Also participated and took honorary places on hackathons Tumaris, A-Hub and competition «First step in business». At the annual competition «We are together 2022» has entered the final part, which will be held in Moscow. Currently I participate in the competition «The first step to women’s business», I have passed 2 main qualifying rounds and I am waiting for the results of the final selection. I want to implement my project in all regions of Uzbekistan.   

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

In March, the head office in Margilon was opened. Now we work in all districts of Fergana region. We have developed a mobile application called "Online Nurse". Using this app patients can order our services.

I am grateful that I have been given this opportunity, for the help I have been given in realizing my goals and finding my place in society. I would especially like to express my gratitude to our mentors, who, sparing no time, helped us in the learning process, answering all our questions and giving correct explanations.

I have set myself the goal of overcoming laziness, always working without despair, to become a man with strong will, and in the future to benefit people and society, and I will achieve it. I’m constantly working to prove that girls are able to be strong business owners.

Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan

Never think, I cannot do this. The point is, what one person does, I’m sure the other person can do. The main thing is not to lose, not to give up. He must be able to overcome fear, uncertainty, laziness. Patiently you must constantly go to your goal. Only then you will succeed.

My advice to my peers: Don’t stop learning, looking and trying! Because this life is given once. I wish you a bold step forward».