A fourth year Biomedical Engineering student from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Memory Mbawala has developed a web-based medical application that has capabilities to assist people access medical help in times of need.
The application called “DocinPocket”, targets the elderly, people with disabilities and those diagnosed with chronic illnesses.
Mbawala has indicated that the application contains features such as location of a nearest health center, contact details of medical personnel and important medical information.
“This application is basically a doctor in one’s pocket because it has capabilities to check symptoms of some diseases, warning you in time to go for a medical check-up,” Mbawala said.
The innovative application has also been infused with capabilities to assist patients with suggestions for natural remedies, over the counter medication and dosages.
“And this means its very ideal for people with mobility challenges including the elderly,” said Mbawala.
The innovative application can be downloaded and used on devices such as mobile phones, computers and other devices that support internet.
Meanwhile, Louis Chamoto who is the chairperson of the Lilongwe-based elderly support group, Friends For The Elderly, has welcomed the application calling it ideal for it’s members.
“Such innovations are welcome for us as people who work hand-in-hand with the elderly because they are capable of empowering our members,” said Chamoto.
Memory Mbawala’s innovation has not gone unnoticed as she has already won the 2024 Digital Innovation Challenge, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in which she was awarded prize money in excess of k2 million.
