The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) successfully conducted an emergency medical evacuation of a patient from Solwezi to Lusaka yesterday evening, 2nd April 2026, for specialised medical treatment.

The evacuation was carried out following authorisation from the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi.

Dr. Joshua Chisanga, Acting Senior Medical Superintendent at Solwezi General Hospital, requested the evacuation, citing the need for specialised medical management at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka.

ZFDS paramedics reported that the patient was stable at the time of transfer, with vital signs within acceptable ranges, although supplemental oxygen was required during transport.

The aircraft departed from ZFDS Headquarters in Ndola at 16:25 hours and landed in Solwezi at 17:21 hours.

After loading the patient, the aircraft proceeded to Lusaka, arriving at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), Zambia Air Force Base, at 19:40 hours, where a ground ambulance team was on standby to complete the transfer to the hospital.

The flight crew comprised Pilot Chanda Mumpangwe and Co-pilot Elvis Kite, with paramedics Suzan Banda and Salifyanji Nachamba providing in-flight medical care.

ZFDS remains committed to delivering timely and efficient emergency medical evacuation services, ensuring patients across the country have access to specialised care when needed.