The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) yesterday undertook a vital mission, evacuating two critically ill patients from Kasama to Lusaka for urgent specialist medical care.

The severity of both cases made road travel too dangerous.

One patient, a 12-day-old baby, was born with multiple congenital malformations , including a heart on the wrong side of the chest ( dextrocardia) and a passage connecting the food and windpipes also known as Tracheo-esophageal fistula.

"This baby needed immediate care from a team of heart and breathing specialists in Lusaka," said Dr. Siloka Silas, Head of the Paediatrics Department at Kasama General Hospital.

The second patient, a 65-year-old man from Mungwi District Hospital, suffered a devastating spinal injury in a road traffic accident, leaving him paralyzed.

Dr. Brian Ng’oma, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, emphasized the urgency, stating, "He urgently needs surgery and specialist care in Lusaka."

After a request from Kasama General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Satchmo Shyamayanda, the Ministry of Health authorized the aeromedical evacuation.

ZFDS dispatched aircraft 9J-FDS from Ndola at 09:33 hours.The plane landed at Kasama Airport at 11:31hours and after a swift boarding process, departed for Lusaka.

Onboard, a Medical Doctor and paramedics from ZFDS worked to stabilize the patients throughout the flight.

Upon landing at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) - ZAF side at 14:55 hours, an ambulance from the National Heart Hospital was waiting to transport the patients to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital and National heart hospital.

We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for ensuring that we provide these services to all in ensuring Universal Health Access for all.