The Ministry of Health through the Zambia Flying Doctors Services (ZFDS) has procured the first ever helicopter named after the first republican President Kenneth David Kaunda.
The aircraft dubbed 9J-KDK is meant to strengthen capacity in the health sector across the country.
Speaking when he unveiled the helicopter, Acting Minister of Health Frank Tayali noted that as part of the government’s recapitalization effort, the Zambia Flying Doctors Services (ZFDS) through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance and National Planning was recapitalized at K167, 750. 000 million kwacha.
Mr Tayali has attributed the achievement to good governance and visionary leadership by the President’s commitment through budget realignment to ensure that services are delivered to the people of Zambia in all sectors.
“This helicopter will significantly strengthen our capacity to respond to medical emergencies particularly in areas where roads are inaccessible,” he noted.
Mr Tayali noted that the Ministry of Health aims to attain sustainable national health development goals among other goals through the revamping of the ZFDS.
He has since thanked the Attorney General for quick authorization of such a purchase that is aimed at enhancing health care service delivery in the country.
Earlier, the ZFDS Board Chairperson, Rosemary Kumwenda stated that the recapitalization initiative which involves the significant investment of over K167, 750. 000 million is a significant enhancement of ZFDS capacity to respond to medical emergencies across the country.
Dr Kumwenda added that the funding that has enabled the agency to expand and modernize their fleet, includes the purchase of 10 brand-new Hilux vehicles, 2 fuel bowsers, a Hiace bus, Land Cruisers, and 2 helicopters all under the agency.
“We have already received 5 Hilux vehicles, and today, we celebrate the arrival of our first ever helicopter for ZFDS. This helicopter is a game-changer for ZFDS,” she noted.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Kennedy Lishimpi noted that one of the things that have been agreed to do is to ensure that there is equitable access to health care services by reaching the hard to reach areas in the country.
Dr Lishimpi added that the coming in of the helicopter will make available specialized services in hard to reach areas.
He has since thanked the government through cabinet for approving the recapitalization plan that was presented by the Ministry of health.
And the ZFDS Chief Executive Officer George Ng’uni has commended the ZFDS board for the free hand they have given his team to operate independently.
Dr Ng’uni disclosed that the Flying Doctors medical team in the past could only do 2 or three undertakings in a year but in the peak of the agency over the few years ZFDS has managed to conduct 9 operations which translates to serving over 20, 000 people in a particular month.
He added that with the coming in of the helicopter many lives will be saved especially in the rural areas.
