Minister Of Labour Meets MUBAS Student Behind Low-Cost Compression Therapy Innovation; Announces Plan to Establish an Innovation Registry

The Minister of Labour, Honourable Joel Chigona, MP, has announced that the Ministry is planning to establish an innovation registry to document youth-led innovations across the country and help innovators access markets and support.

He made the sentiments during a meeting on 17 November, 2025, when he held a meeting with Ranken Chisambi, a Biomedical Engineering student from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), who has developed an innovative and affordable compression therapy device.

The device according to Chisambi, is aimed at assisting individuals with blood circulation challenges. The device improves blood flow in the legs and helps prevent swelling, blood clots, and pain. It works by gently squeezing the leg or arm using an air cuff that inflates and deflates, mimicking a massage that pushes blood back toward the heart.

He has previously produced several other innovations, including the Neo Smart Baby Incubator, a Heart Monitoring Device, and Smart Car Parking technology.

Chisambi noted that his new device aims to reduce Malawi’s dependence on costly imported medical equipment.

The Minister has since encouraged him to finalise the development of the device so that it can be ready for commercialisation. He further urged young innovators nationwide to register their creations with the Ministry.

“We will not know about the innovations taking place out there if they are not brought to our attention. The Ministry is ready and willing to work with innovators as we strive to develop the sector in this country,” said Chigona.