The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has successfully evacuated a 56-year-old patient from Chipata to Lusaka following a serious leg injury sustained earlier this week.

The patient, whose identity has been withheld, suffered a closed proximal third femur shaft spiral fracture on 1 April after slipping on a wet surface.

The emergency medical evacuation, conducted on Saturday, 4th April 2026, was approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, after an urgent request from Chipata Central Hospital.

In a formal request to the Ministry, Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Mbinga Mbinga emphasized the need for air evacuation to Lusaka to prevent further complications and damage to the affected limb.

The ZFDS aircraft, registration 9J-AGC, departed from Ndola at 09:09 hours and arrived at Chipata Airport at 11:00 hours. Upon arrival, the patient whose vital signs remained stable was handed over to ZFDS medical personnel.

The flight, piloted by Director of Aviation Services Lasford Manchisi, alongside co-pilot Siphosami Zulu, departed Chipata at 11:35 hours and landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), Zambia Air Force base, at 13:30 hours.

Upon arrival in Lusaka, the patient was transferred by a National Heart Hospital (NHH) ambulance to the Zambia-Italy Orthopaedic Hospital for specialist orthopaedic care.

The Zambia Flying Doctor Service remains committed to working with health facilities across the country to ensure access to quality healthcare for all citizens.