Ndola, 29th December 2025 , The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, today officially commissioned the Beechcraft King Air B200 at the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) Headquarters in Ndola, marking a major milestone in the revitalisation of the country’s emergency medical aviation services.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Dr. Muchima described the transformation of ZFDS as a powerful symbol of a “promise kept” by the Government to the Zambian people. He emphasized that the addition of the King Air B200 reflects the successful implementation of a deliberate and strategic vision to restore an institution that had previously struggled with ageing infrastructure and limited operational capacity.

The event was attended by several senior government and civic leaders, including Copperbelt Deputy Provincial Permanent Secretary Mr. Daniel Kamenga, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Bwana Mukubwa Member of Parliament Hon. Warren Mwambazi, Ndola Mayor His Worship Mr. Jones Kalyati, Ndola District Commissioner Ms. Precious Njekwa, Copperbelt Provincial Health Director Dr. Charles Mwinuna, and Zambia Civil Aviation Authority Director General Captain Derrick Luembe, various stakeholders ,among others.

Dr. Muchima highlighted the contrast between the state of ZFDS when the New Dawn Government assumed office ,when only one was serviceable and maintenance backlogs were overwhelming and the present reality.

Under the leadership of Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the Government recapitalised ZFDS with an investment of K167 million, leading to the acquisition of additional aircraft and improved infrastructure.

ZFDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Ng’uni expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for his unwavering support, noting that ZFDS has expanded its outreach programmes from just three per year to eight concurrent monthly missions, reaching over 144,000 patients in 2025 alone.

Ndola Mayor Mr. Jones Kalyati shared a personal testimony, describing ZFDS as “family,” and encouraged Ndola residents to utilise the world class medical services available locally rather than seeking treatment abroad.

Senior Chief Chiwala of Masaiti attending with Chief Nkambo, expressed deep satisfaction with the transformation, noting how the expanded reach brings hope to rural communities.

Representing the Copperbelt Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo, Deputy PS Mr. Daniel Kamenga acknowledged that ZFDS has been restored from the brink of collapse and now operates a fleet of four air services, supported by upgraded facilities. The Copperbelt Minister further commended the ZFDS team for their effective stewardship, citing the transformation of the AeroMED James Lawless Facility into a world-class diagnostic and surgical hub as a model for other parastatals.

In closing, Copperbelt Provincial Health Director Dr. Charles Mwinuna delivered a vote of thanks to the Government and all stakeholders for their continued support in advancing Universal Health Coverage in Zambia.

As ZFDS, we remain deeply grateful to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Ministry of Health, and above all, God, for this remarkable achievement.

This milestone marks the beginning of even greater accomplishments for the Zambia Flying Doctor Service. Well done team ZFDS