Two Jamaican physicians have transformed their clinical observations into a groundbreaking healthcare initiative, tackling the critical issue of circulatory health through innovative compression therapy solutions. Dr. Mickhail Benjamin and Dr. Duhaney Johnson, both 29-year-old medical practitioners and longtime friends from their St. George’s College days, established Uniflo Compression Wear in 2023 to address systemic barriers in accessible healthcare.
The venture emerged from repeated instances where patients couldn’t obtain medically necessary compression garments due to excessive costs or supply chain limitations. ‘During my clinical practice, I consistently witnessed patients enduring preventable suffering because compression therapy remained either prohibitively expensive or virtually unavailable through conventional channels,’ explained Dr. Benjamin. The situation became so dire that the physician personally imported garments from overseas to alleviate patients’ debilitating symptoms.
Market analysis revealed compression socks retailing for approximately $9,000 Jamaican dollars in local pharmacies—a price point placing them beyond reach for many patients. Uniflo’s disruptive pricing model now offers the same medical-grade compression hosiery for $4,000, representing a 55% reduction in cost while maintaining clinical efficacy.
The medical significance of compression therapy extends beyond comfort management. Poor circulation constitutes a serious public health concern that can escalate into dermatitis, chronic ulcerations, and potentially fatal thrombotic events. ‘Venous stasis creates ideal conditions for deep vein thrombosis development,’ Dr. Benjamin emphasized. ‘These clots can migrate pulmonary circulation, causing embolic events that compromise respiratory function and may prove fatal without immediate intervention.’
Particularly vulnerable populations include pregnant patients and individuals with limited mobility, where hemodynamic changes increase coagulation risks. Uniflo’s dual approach combines affordable product distribution with direct medical consultation through social media channels, enabling patients to receive professional guidance from the physician-founders regarding appropriate compression levels and usage protocols.
Early response from both medical communities and patients has demonstrated strong validation of the model, indicating substantial improvement in treatment adherence and symptomatic relief. This physician-led initiative represents a paradigm shift in making essential medical devices accessible while maintaining clinical standards and patient education.