The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) today successfully conducted a triple medical evacuation involving three patients with spinal injuries.

The first patient, a 47-year-old male, was admitted to Kasama General Hospital following a road traffic accident that resulted in a spinal injury. The evacuation was initiated following a request from the Kasama General Hospital through the Ministry of Health, as the patient required specialised spinal stabilisation by a neurosurgeon at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.

ZFDS deployed its Caravan aircraft, 9J-AGC, for the mission. The aircraft was flown by Director of Aviation Services, Lasford Manchisi, with Co-Pilot Siposami Zulu. The morning operation was successfully conducted from Kasama, with the patient safely transported to Lusaka for further specialised care.

In a parallel operation, ZFDS also repatriated two patients who had been discharged from Fairview Hospital and Italian hospital in Lusaka to their homes in Luanshya and Kitwe on the Copperbelt. The operation was carried out by ZFDS Acting Deputy Director of Aviation Services Patrick Kawanu, assisted by Co-Pilot Wael Donbouky.

The two patients, both paraplegic, had been receiving specialised treatment in Lusaka and were safely handed over to the workers compensation personnel and their families upon arrival.

ZFDS deployed Paramedics Bupe Mulenga and Chisanga Bwalya for the Kasama medical evacuation, while Nelly Njamba and Salifyanji Nachamba were assigned to the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) flight, ensuring continuity of medical care throughout all operations.

As ZFDS, we remain committed to ensuring safety and the delivery of enhanced medical care for all. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Health and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board for the trust they have placed in us and for recognising the strategic role ZFDS plays in advancing the achievement of Universal Health Coverage for all.