Two women in need of urgent specialized medical attention were yesterday, 14th March, airlifted from Lewanika General Hospital to the University Teaching Hospital in a coordinated emergency evacuation carried out by the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS).

The evacuation followed a formal request by Lewanika General Hospital Medical Superintendent, Sikakena Kapatiso, who wrote to the Ministry of Health Zambia Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, seeking urgent air evacuation for the patients. Approval was subsequently granted for the team to take off.

The first patient, a 34-year-old woman, had recently undergone a Caesarean section and later developed serious breathing complications linked to Aspiration Pneumonitis with probable Pulmonary Edema. Her condition required urgent specialist care beyond what was available at the referring facility.

The second patient, aged 38, was battling severe respiratory distress. Due to the severity of her condition, she also required immediate transfer to Lusaka for advanced medical management.

Responding to the request, the ZFDS aircraft 9J-FDS departed the Ndola Zuze Airstrip at 06:05 hours, piloted by Acting Deputy Director of Aviation Services Patrick Kawanu with co-pilot Siphosami Zulu. The aircraft touched down in Mongu at 08:25 hours, where the patients were carefully prepared and loaded onto the aircraft.

After completing the necessary ground preparations, the aircraft departed Mongu at 09:22 hours and later landed safely at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Zuze Base at 11:32 hours. Two ambulances from the University Teaching Hospital and National Heart Hospital were on standby to receive the patients for further specialized treatment.

On board the flight were anaesthetist Bupe Musenge and paramedic Suzen Banda, who closely monitored and provided essential medical support to the patients throughout the journey.