The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) did yesterday 2nd December, 2025 execute an urgent air evacuation, transporting a beneficiary of the Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) from Lusaka to Kasempa.

The request for the air transfer was initiated by the WCFCB, citing the provisions of their MOU with ZFDS for medical services.

The beneficiary, along with their caregivers, required transportation to Kasempa following their discharge from a Lusaka hospital where they had been receiving medical attention.

The operation required a specialized two-stage flight plan due to the condition of the local airstrip.

A fixed wing aircraft carried the patient from Lusaka into Ndola.The flight crew for this leg included ZFDS Chief Pilot Patrick Kawanu and Co-Pilot Sipho Zulu.

Upon landing at Zuze Airforce Base in Ndola, the beneficiary was promptly and safely transferred into a ZFDS helicopter waiting at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe airport for the final leg of the journey to Kasempa.

This change of aircraft was necessary because the Mukinge airstrip in Kasempa is currently not conducive for fixed-wing plane landing, making the helicopter the safest and most practical means of transport.

The helicopter was piloted by Col. Zacharia Mbewe with Timothy Gibbes serving as co-pilot.

The request for the evacuation was formally submitted on November 24th, 2025, by Mr. Maybin Nkholomba, Director of Compliance and Compensation Services at WCFCB.

In his correspondence to the ZFDS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nkholomba expressed the Board's reliance on their partners, stating, "We look forward to your usual prompt action on the matter."

The successful execution of the evacuation, despite the logistical challenge posed by the airstrip condition, underscores ZFDS's capability to provide timely and essential air medical services across Zambia, fulfilling its role in ensuring that WCFCB beneficiaries receive necessary post-hospital care and transportation.