Authorities in Western Province have commended the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) for taking specialised medical services closer to communities in Shangombo District through a seven-day medical outreach programme.

Western Province Provincial Medical Director, Dr Njekwa Samutumwa, said the outreach will complement ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services in Shangombo and the wider province.

Shangombo District Commissioner Mubita Siyamana said the district continues to record a high number of referrals for various medical conditions. He noted that the arrival of ZFDS will help address the backlog of patients requiring specialised care, particularly surgical services.

Shangombo District Health Director Dr Luwo Chitanda said the district continues to face a disease burden that includes malaria and hernias, making the outreach an important intervention in addressing the healthcare needs of local communities.

Shangombo Town Council Secretary Abwino Banda also welcomed the ZFDS intervention, saying the support will go a long way in responding to the healthcare needs of people in the district.

Meanwhile, ZFDS Shangombo Team Lead Dr Luyando Simunyama said the team is ready to deliver the planned services throughout the outreach.

The ZFDS team will reach communities in Mambolomoka, Kaungamashi, Mbanda, Mulonga, Sipuma, Shangombo Hospital and Siwelewele, providing surgical, general medical screening, dental, eye, laboratory and pharmacy services.

The outreach underscores ZFDS’s continued commitment to taking specialised healthcare services closer to communities, supporting the national health system and reducing geographical barriers to accessing essential healthcare, particularly for people living in hard-to-reach areas.