Recent NEWS
#chakwelamakumbitraditionalceremony, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
03 November 2025
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS), in collaboration with the Chongwe District Health Office, provided integrated healthcare services at the 2025 Chakwela Makumbi Traditional Ceremony, reaching the Soli community gathered at Makuyu Royal Palace in Nkomeshya Village, Chongwe District.
The ZFDS team was lead by Director Legal Services and Corporate Affairs,Mrs Luyando Mbilika-Shimalukwe and Director Medical Services, Director Medical Services,Dr. Chisanga Puta who paid a courtesy on her Royal Highness Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II. The team conducted a medical outreach during the annual ceremony held under the theme "Our Heritage, Our Future."
The ZFDS team deployed dental, eye care, laboratory, pharmacy, and general medical services to address healthcare access gaps among ceremony attendees and local residents. Medical professionals conducted dental examinations and treatments, performed eye screenings and distributed corrective lenses, provided laboratory diagnostic services, dispensed medications through pharmacy services, and offered general medical consultations.
The outreach demonstrated the value of collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional authorities. The Chakwela Makumbi ceremony, which signifies prayers for good rainfall in the upcoming farming season, brought together the Soli people in one location, creating an ideal opportunity for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Traditional ceremonies offer unique opportunities for healthcare delivery, as they bring together communities that may otherwise be scattered across remote areas. ZFDS expressed gratitude to Her Royal Highness for recognizing the importance of integrating health services into this significant cultural gathering.
ZFDS continues to coordinate with traditional authorities and Government health structures to identify strategic intervention opportunities, contributing to national efforts toward Universal Health Coverage.
#chamadistrict, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
02 November 2025
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The transformative impact of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) was felt in Chama District, as a specialist surgeon transported from the Copperbelt performed 31 life-changing surgical procedures in just four days as part of an specialized medical outreach.
Specialist Surgeon Dr. Maka Silungwe, based at Roan Antelope General Hospital, was flown into the district by ZFDS to treat patients suffering from conditions that had long remained untreated due to the absence of local specialist surgical services.
The surgical mission delivered immediate relief to several critical cases,these included the following:
* Thyroidectomy Success: A 25-year-old man suffering from a massive anterior neck swelling, which caused difficulty swallowing and breathing when lying flat, underwent a successful subtotal thyroidectomy. He has since made a full recovery.
* Paediatric Surgery: A five-year-old girl with a congenital thyroglossal duct cyst successfully underwent a complex Sistrunk procedure (the complete removal of the cyst, tract, and a section of the hyoid bone). Her recovery was described as uneventful.
Other operations carried out included essential procedures such as hernia repairs, hydrocelectomies, and the excision of ganglions and lipomas, bringing the total number of surgeries performed to 31.
Dr. Silungwe praised the ZFDS for making the outreach possible, highlighting the Service’s logistical support and mandate to fly specialists into hard-to-reach areas.
The surgical mission was part of a wider ZFDS outreach that coincided with the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony in Chipata.
The overall mission saw hundreds of residents benefiting from general medical consultations, dental and eye care, laboratory services, and pharmacy support.
The success of the mission underscores ZFDS’s continued fulfillment of its mandate.
#kwenjetraditionalceremony2025, #universalcoverageforall, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
02 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has demonstrated President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to providing equitable healthcare by leveraging its recent recapitalization to deliver emergency and specialized medical services to even the remotest, rain-cut-off areas.
Speaking at the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony in Chama District,Eastern Province on Saturday, ZFDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. George NG'UNI announced that the recapitalization program has transformed the Service operational capacity.
The recapitalization included not only the purchase of modern medical equipment, A Bell 212 helicopter, christened Kenneth David Kaunda (KDK) in honour of Zambia's founding President and first Service Patron, but also a fleet of new vehicles.
Dr. NG’UNI emphasized that the helicopter, seen hovering over Chama and other rural districts, is a tangible delivery on the Government’s promise to strengthen rural healthcare.
"With these tools, we can now reach communities that become inaccessible during the rainy season, including evacuating expectant mothers who develop complications," Dr. NG'UNI said.
This year marked ZFDS’s first-ever participation at the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony, where the Service provided extensive free medical services to hundreds of residents from Chama.
The ZFDS medical team arrived on Tuesday and conducted four days of outreach programs at Chifunda and Chikwa Rural Health Centres before setting up a two-day medical camp at the Kwenje arena.
According to ZFDS Medical Officer Dr. Jonathan Masalo, a total of 1,895 patients received treatment during the outreach.
Services included general consultations, laboratory tests, pharmacy services, dental care, eye services, and 31 surgical operations.
During his visit, Dr. NG’UNI paid a courtesy call on Senior Chief Kambombo, who raised concerns about limited access to eye and dental care in remote areas.
The CEO assured the traditional leader that ZFDS would conduct a full-fledged outreach program in Chama to extend its specialized services to more people.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ZFDS has also embarked on a mentorship initiative by adopting Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade groups to help deter young people from engaging in early sex and substance abuse.
The colourful ceremony was officiated by Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Elias Mubanga, and attended by Eastern Province Minister Hon.Peter Phiri, State House Special Advisor to the President Mr. Levy Ngoma, and several traditional leaders.
Dr. NG'UNI thanked President Hichilema for his continued support, saying the recapitalization demonstrates the Government’s belief that “a life in Chama matters just as much as a life in Lusaka.”
In his keynote address, Hon. Mubanga assured the people of Eastern Province of the Government’s commitment to equitable development, while Senior Chief Kambombo appealed for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to harness the district’s natural resources.
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service continues to serve as a lifeline for rural communities, fulfilling its vision of ensuring no life is left behind.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #nyimbaaccident, #medicaloutreach
01 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) yesterday ,Friday, October 31, 2025, evacuated a 28-year-old survivor of the tragic road crash at Kacholola, Nyimba District, directly to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.
The urgent transfer was necessitated by the severity of the patient's injuries, which required specialized orthopaedic and trauma intervention only available in lusaka.
The gravity of the crash, which occurred on Thursday of this week, was immediately apparent in the patient's clinical presentation.
Following stabilization at Kalindawalo General Hospital, an urgent request for transfer was issued, detailing the patient's polytrauma—a condition where multiple severe injuries occur simultaneously.
The Kacholola crash, which reportedly involved a passenger vehicle and a bus, has unfortunately recorded numerous casualties, with many other victims still admitted to Nyimba District Hospital.
Authorities are yet to release a consolidated and official casualty list.
The ZFDS ensured rapid transfer using the aircraft, 9J-AGC.
The mission, captained by Lasford Manchisi - ZFDS Director Aviation Services, with co-pilot Chanda Mupangwe, ensured the timely, life-saving care.
The aircraft departed Ndola in the morning and flew into Petauke to pick up the patient before landing at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) at 13:40.
The UTH emergency personnel were ready at ZAF base - Kenneth Kaunda International Airport , immediately transporting the patient by ambulance to the specialist trauma unit for admission and urgent surgical planning.
The successful, specialized air transfer highlights the essential function of the ZFDS in mitigating fatalities and severe disability following major road tragedies across the Country.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #medicalevacuation
31 October 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) yesterday successfully carried out an emergency medical evacuation, airlifting an emergency 85-year-old male patient from Ndola Teaching Hospital to Lusaka for urgent and specialized treatment.
The patient was suffering from a myocardial infarction, a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing part of the heart muscle to die. He was admitted to Ndola Teaching Hospital on 29 October 2025, where an urgent referral request was made by the hospital’s Head of Clinical Care, Dr. Misa Funjika.
Given the intensity of his condition and the need for advanced cardiac care, a referral to the National Heart Hospital in Lusaka was necessary. Once the emergency request was approved by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services.Dr Kennedy Lishimpi. The ZFDS immediately mobilized its aeromedical response team to coordinate both land and air operations for the quick transfer.
The evacuation was conducted using the ZFDS aircraft registration 9J–AGC, flown by Director of Aviation Services Col. Lasford Manchisi, assisted by Officer Chanda Mumpangwe.
The aircraft departed Ndola at 11:31 hours and landed safely in Lusaka at 12:30hours.
On arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport ZAF Base, an ambulance from the National Heart Hospital was on standby to transfer the patient directly to the facility, where he is now receiving specialized medical care.
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing timely, efficient, and lifesaving aeromedical support from the Ministry of Health.
Through such efforts, the Service remains an essential contributor to the national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage for all.
The ZFDS team has expressed heartfelt wishes for the patient’s speedy recovery.
#medicaloutreach, #chamadistrict, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
30 October 2025
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A 39-year-old man suffering from massive splenomegaly has received a new lease on life following a successful, complex two-hour operation at Chama District Hospital.
The delicate surgery was made possible by the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS), which flew a specialized surgical team into the remote region.
The patient, who had endured progressive abdominal swelling, chronic pain, and severe fatigue for several years, was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen secondary to hypersplenism.
This condition is often linked to recurrent malaria infections in the area.
His significantly enlarged spleen had caused debilitating abdominal discomfort, premature fullness after eating, and general weakness that severely impacted his daily function.
The high-stakes procedure was led by Dr. Maka Silungwe, a Consultant Surgeon from Ndola Teaching Hospital, who was transported to Chama as part of the ZFDS's specialized medical outreach.
Dr. Silungwe was supported by a dedicated team, including Anaesthetist Evalyne Chileshe and a theatre crew: Allan Sinyangwe (Theatre Nurse in Charge), Elizabeth Nakaonga (Theatre Nurse), Annie Liabomba (Registered Nurse), and Brian Jobooli (Porter).
The splenectomy was a major highlight among five successful operations performed during the ongoing ZFDS outreach in Chama District.
Other procedures included an incarcerated inguinal hernia repair and minor surgeries like ganglion cyst excision and hemorrhoidectomy.
Medical students Chiluba Kangwa, Favour Nakawala, and Lira Nyambe also participated in the surgery, gaining vital field training under the program.
Following the operation, Dr.Silungwe declared the procedure as success.
He has reaffirmed the Service's commitment to bridging the healthcare gap in hard-to-reach areas by bringing expert medical and advanced care directly to rural communities, ensuring that quality healthcare services reach every corner of the nation.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #medicaloutreach, #chamadistrict, #helicopterflights
29 October 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has made a historic entry into Chama District, Eastern Province, after its medical helicopter completed its first-ever landing in the area today, ahead of the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony.
The arrival signals an enhanced capability for ZFDS to deliver essential, free medical and surgical care to remote and previously inaccessible communities.
ZFDS team will conduct a seven-day outreach program offering a range of services to children and adults at no cost.
The mission is headlined by a General Surgeon who has been stationed at Chama District Hospital.
The surgeon will provide advanced consultations and handle referral cases throughout the exercise.
Routine services available at the outreach centers include:
* General Consultations with a Doctor
* Dental and Eye Care
* Diagnostics: Laboratory Testing
* Medication: Pharmacy services and dispensing of essential medicines
Chama Director of Health Services, Dr. Phiri, announced the following itinerary for the ZFDS team:
1. Chifunda Rural Health Centre | October 29
2. Chikwa RHC | October 30
3. Kwenje Ceremony Arena | November 1–2
4.Mwalala RHC | November 3
5. Tembwe RHC | November 4
6. Chibale RHC | November 5
The ZFDS outreach reaffirms the service's commitment to ensuring all Zambians, regardless of location, receive quality health care.
The Service continues to enhance and provide it’s services in the rural and hard to reach parts of the Country in order to save lives.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #medicalevacuation, #universalcoverageforall
22 October 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) evacuated two patients from Kasama General Hospital to Lusaka for specialized treatment yesterday the 21st of October,2025.
The life-saving mission involved two distinct and urgent cases.One patient, a 53-year-old man who required specialized care for a right femur fracture sustained in a road traffic accident.
The second was a young patient: a 10-year-old boy who had accidentally swallowed a seed of a wild fruit known as "amasuku", necessitating immediate paediatric surgical intervention.
The evacuation took place aboard the ZFDS aircraft, registration 9J-FDS. Chief Pilot Patrick Kawanu and Chanda Mpangwe were at the controls.
The aircraft departed Kasama at 13:25 hours and landed safely in Lusaka just over two hours later, at 15:35 hours.
Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) - Zambia Air Force Base , a swift and seamless transition was ensured, with two ambulances waiting.
One patient was transferred to Maina Soko Military Hospital, while the young boy was taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Paediatric Surgery Unit for the required specialist care.
The call for the urgent evacuation came from Kasama General Hospital’s Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. Charles Ngulube.
Dr. Ngulube cited the hospital’s current lack of orthopedic implants as the reason they were unable to surgically manage the patients severe injuries locally.
The patients remain admitted in the respective hospitals .
We wish the patients a speedy recovery.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #medicalevacuation, #workerscompensation
21 October 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) did on the morning of 19th October,2025 evacuate a differently baked Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) beneficiary from Nakonde to Lusaka for urgent specialized treatment.
The patient,whose identification has been withheld was evacuated following a formal request from the WCFCB, leveraging the established medical services agreement between the two institutions.
The patient is currently bedridden due to severe complications from chemical burns affecting his fingers, upper right thigh, and lower knee, and has recently been experiencing debilitating episodes of shortness of breath.
The decision to airlift was made to ensure he receives immediate, specialized intervention in Lusaka.
The ZFDS aircraft, bearing registration number 9J-FDS, initiated the mission from Ndola at 08:12 hours and landed in Nakonde at 10:05 hours.
ZFDS paramedics swiftly stabilized and loaded the patient before taking off at 10:32 hours.The flight touched down safely in Lusaka at 13:20 hours.
Upon arrival, a medical team from the International Hospital of Zambia (IHZ)- Fairview received the patient and immediately transferred him to Fairview Hospital for continued specialized care and management.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #octoberchildhealthweek
21 October 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has concluded a Child Health Rural Outreach Programme, providing a comprehensive package of child and maternal health services to 578 beneficiaries in hard-to-reach communities in North-Western.
The campaign, which focused on villages in Luafula (Mushindamo District), delivered essential services designed to combat high rural morbidity and mortality rates, underscoring the ZFDS’s mission to ensure equitable healthcare access for all citizens.
The ZFDS team visited seven communities—including Mapande West 6, Maumbo, Kankushi, Bintu, Mulalashi, and Kampemba villages—providing a full range of preventative, curative, and promotional health services.
During the outreach the team did the following child’s Health & Immunization administration of essential childhood vaccines, including BCG, OPV (1–3), DPT (1–3), ROTA (1–3), PCV (1–3), IPV (1–2), and Measles (1–2). Maternal Care Provision of antenatal booking and follow-ups, family planning services, and the successful recording of one delivery at West 6 Clinic were also done.
Some of the Services included growth monitoring and promotion, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and the distribution of life-saving Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to children diagnosed with malnutrition.
Under the aspect of Women's Health,the Service Breast and cervical cancer screening was conducted for women, addressing key cancer prevention goals at the primary healthcare level.
The team also ensured that Information, Education, and Communication sessions were held to empower communities on child health, nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
The continuous outreach efforts are part of the government’s commitment, delivered through the Ministry of Health to strengthen community-based primary healthcare and improve health outcomes.
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