The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) surgical outreach at Chama District Hospital went beyond delivering care, it focused on empowering local healthcare providers with life-saving skills.

Dr. Kapend Frank, Medical Officer In-Charge, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting the impact of the seven-day surgical camp. Working side by side with the ZFDS team, the theatre staff actively participated in a wide range of procedures, including splenectomies, urologic surgeries, exploratory laparotomies (ex-laps), and local wide excisions , bringing the total number of cases performed to 28.

“This experience has been invaluable,” he shared. “We have not only managed complex cases but also gained hands-on skills and confidence. We are now better equipped to handle critical patients locally.”

The outreach created a strong platform for mentorship and skills transfer, led by renowned surgeon Dr. Joseph Musowoya. Through direct involvement in surgeries and guided practice, resident doctors enhanced their competence in managing conditions that would otherwise require referral to distant facilities.

As a result, the team at Chama District Hospital is now more confident in handling emergency and complex surgical cases. This will significantly reduce referrals, improve timely interventions, and ultimately save more lives within the district.

The success of this outreach stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and sustainable capacity building in strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system.

The Chama team expressed deep appreciation to the ZFDS team who reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that skills transfer remains a key component in enhancing rural healthcare across all parts of the country.