Government's K167 Million Investment Transforms Flying Doctor Service

The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of a new Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft.

Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima, speaking at the official commissioning in Ndola, revealed that government has invested K167 million to revitalize the service, which had been left with just one operational aircraft when the New Dawn administration took office.

"This handover represents the successful execution of our government's strategic vision to breathe new life into an institution that struggled with ageing infrastructure and limited capacity," Dr Muchima said.

The transformation has been remarkable. ZFDS has expanded from conducting merely three outreach programmes annually to running eight concurrent outreaches every month across the country. In 2025 alone, the service has attended to over 144,000 patients across 50 districts.

The recapitalization has delivered tangible results: the integration of Zambia's first-ever medical helicopters, including the Bell 212 named after founding father Dr Kenneth Kaunda; transformation of the Ndola Aeromed James Lawless facility into a world-class diagnostic and surgical hub; and enhanced capacity to reach remote communities within the critical "golden hour" for emergency care.

"This aircraft is a beacon of hope for the mother facing an obstetric emergency in a remote village, the accident victim on a distant highway, and the rural patient requiring specialist care," Dr Muchima explained.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Kennedy Lishimpi praised the achievement, noting it demonstrates President Hichilema's commitment to investing in Zambia's people and building a healthier future for all citizens.

The commissioning symbolizes that Zambia is indeed "back on its feet," delivering on promises made to improve healthcare access nationwide.