The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has completed a two-day medical transportation exercise, airlifting the final group of Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) beneficiaries from Mufulira to Lusaka for routine medical assessments.

The helicopter, registration 9J-KDK, lifted off from ZFDS Headquarters in Ndola at 06:37 on 23rd January 2026, heading to Mufulira to collect three patients who had been booked for evaluation at a referral hospital in the capital city of Zambia.

District Branch Manager of the WCFCB, Bathsheba Sakala, handed over the three patients—all beneficiaries of the fund—to ZFDS paramedics for transfer.

The patients are suffering from pneumoconiosis, an occupational lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of mineral dust in mining environments.

By 08:43, with all three patients secured on board, the helicopter was airborne again, heading toward Lusaka.

Throughout the flight, Paramedics Susan Banda and Sampa Chibwe provided continuous oxygen support and monitored vital signs.

At 10:26, the helicopter touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport's ZAF Base, where a medical team from Lusaka International Hospital of Zambia stood ready. The patients were transferred and transported to the facility for their scheduled specialist assessments.

The mission was piloted by Senior Pilot Zacharia Mbewe and Co-Pilot Timothy Gibbs completing the multi-day transportation exercise that ensured seven (7) beneficiaries receive the specialist medical care they need.