Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) today 8th January,2025 evacuated a Paraplegic Patient of Livingstone to Lusaka for specialized care.

The patient, a Worker's Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) beneficiary ,required urgent transfer to Fairview International Hospital of Zambia.

Due to the nature of paraplegia, a condition involving paralysis of the lower body, the Board requested an immediate air evacuation to ensure the patient remained stable and under constant clinical observation during the journey.

The operation was formally initiated by WCFCB Director of Compliance and Compensation Services, Mr. Maybin Nkholomba, citing the need for the patient to access immediate specialized assessment.

The rescue mission involved use of ZFDS aircraft, registration 9J-AGC.

The flight crew, led by Deputy Director of Aviation Services Patrick Kawanu and Co-Pilot Chanda Mumpangwe, left the ZFDS Base in Ndola at 08:35 hours. By 10:50 hours, the aircraft touched down at Harry Mwaanga Nkhumbula in Livingstone.

ZFDS paramedics immediately took over the patient’s care and moved him safely onto the plane. The flight departed Livingstone at 11:20 hours, with paramedics providing continuous bedside monitoring throughout the transit.

The aircraft landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport - ZAF Base in Lusaka at 12:50 hours, where an ambulance was waiting to whisk the patient to the hospital.

Through this partnership, the ZFDS and WCFCB remain dedicated to strengthening the national referral system, ensuring that specialized medical expertise is always within reach for those most in need.