The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has demonstrated President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to providing equitable healthcare by leveraging its recent recapitalization to deliver emergency and specialized medical services to even the remotest, rain-cut-off areas.

Speaking at the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony in Chama District,Eastern Province on Saturday, ZFDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. George NG'UNI announced that the recapitalization program has transformed the Service operational capacity.

The recapitalization included not only the purchase of modern medical equipment, A Bell 212 helicopter, christened Kenneth David Kaunda (KDK) in honour of Zambia's founding President and first Service Patron, but also a fleet of new vehicles.

Dr. NG’UNI emphasized that the helicopter, seen hovering over Chama and other rural districts, is a tangible delivery on the Government’s promise to strengthen rural healthcare.

"With these tools, we can now reach communities that become inaccessible during the rainy season, including evacuating expectant mothers who develop complications," Dr. NG'UNI said.

This year marked ZFDS’s first-ever participation at the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony, where the Service provided extensive free medical services to hundreds of residents from Chama.

The ZFDS medical team arrived on Tuesday and conducted four days of outreach programs at Chifunda and Chikwa Rural Health Centres before setting up a two-day medical camp at the Kwenje arena.

According to ZFDS Medical Officer Dr. Jonathan Masalo, a total of 1,895 patients received treatment during the outreach.

Services included general consultations, laboratory tests, pharmacy services, dental care, eye services, and 31 surgical operations.

During his visit, Dr. NG’UNI paid a courtesy call on Senior Chief Kambombo, who raised concerns about limited access to eye and dental care in remote areas.

The CEO assured the traditional leader that ZFDS would conduct a full-fledged outreach program in Chama to extend its specialized services to more people.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ZFDS has also embarked on a mentorship initiative by adopting Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade groups to help deter young people from engaging in early sex and substance abuse.

The colourful ceremony was officiated by Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Elias Mubanga, and attended by Eastern Province Minister Hon.Peter Phiri, State House Special Advisor to the President Mr. Levy Ngoma, and several traditional leaders.

Dr. NG'UNI thanked President Hichilema for his continued support, saying the recapitalization demonstrates the Government’s belief that “a life in Chama matters just as much as a life in Lusaka.”

In his keynote address, Hon. Mubanga assured the people of Eastern Province of the Government’s commitment to equitable development, while Senior Chief Kambombo appealed for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to harness the district’s natural resources.

The Zambia Flying Doctor Service continues to serve as a lifeline for rural communities, fulfilling its vision of ensuring no life is left behind.