A University of Malawi (UNIMA) student, Alia Umali has developed a device which is can transform the country’s health sector.
Umali, based in Ndirande Township in Blantyre has developed a device called “E-Health Monitoring System” which she says is capable of sending distress signals from users to the nearest health centre.
The innovator said she decided to develop the system after noticing challenges people in the country face when they want to access help quickly.
“So, this device has been primarily developed to act as a tool for sending distress calls to the nearest health facility,” she said.
The system contains a device that can be worn like a wrist watch and a software which is installed in a computer.
“The device, worn as a wrist watch, contains a button which when pressed, it sends a notification to computers at the nearest health facility, alerting health personnel of an emergency,” said Umali.
Apart from sending distress signals, the device also contains sensors that can detect changes in body temperature and blood pressure in pregnant women.
“And that alone simply means the system is vital in preventing deaths that are related to the failure by pregnant women to receive timely help in case of an emergency,” she added.
She said other sectors, including security agencies can also use the system to protect vulnerable groups of people such as the elderly and people with albinism.
Meanwhile, multi-award winning innovator-cum entrepreneur Innocent Mandili has called on stakeholders to support Umali and ensure that the system is installed in the country’s health facilities.
“This system might be a game-changer if well supported,” said Mandili.
