Flying Doctor Aircraft Brings Life-Saving Healthcare Closer to Remote Communities
Government has commissioned a King Air Beechcraft B200 aircraft at the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) Headquarters in Ndola, reinforcing its commitment to delivering quality healthcare to hard-to-reach communities across the country.
The aircraft was officially unveiled by Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Elijah Muchima, who described the development as a fulfilment of Government’s pledge to revitalise emergency and outreach medical services.
He said the strengthening of ZFDS is part of a deliberate strategy to ensure no Zambian is denied healthcare due to distance or terrain.
For nearly 60 years, ZFDS has played a critical role in providing aero-medical services to remote areas beyond paved roads and conventional health facilities. Its mission, Dr Muchima noted, remains centred on delivering cost-effective and high-quality medical care to underserved populations.
The commissioning ceremony drew senior Government officials, civic leaders, traditional authorities and sector stakeholders. Among those present were Copperbelt Deputy Provincial Permanent Secretary Mr Daniel Kamenga, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, Ndola Mayor Mr Jones Kalyati, Bwana Mukubwa Member of Parliament Hon. Warren Mwambazi, and Zambia Civil Aviation Authority Director General Captain Derrick Luembe.
Dr Muchima highlighted the contrast between the current progress and the situation inherited by the New Dawn Administration, when ZFDS was operating with only one functional aircraft.
He disclosed that Government has invested K167 million to recapitalise the service, expand its aircraft fleet and upgrade essential infrastructure under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
In a further boost to operations, ZFDS earlier this year acquired its first-ever helicopter, 9J-KDK, allowing medical teams to reach communities without airstrips and significantly strengthening emergency response capabilities.
ZFDS Chief Executive Officer Dr George Ng’uni reported a substantial increase in outreach activities, from three missions annually to eight running concurrently each month.
He revealed that more than 144,000 patients were reached in 2025 alone, with outreach programmes in April covering four provinces and providing medical screenings, dental and eye care, and laboratory services.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Copperbelt Provincial Health Director Dr Charles Mwinuna, who reaffirmed Government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage, stressing that quality healthcare must remain accessible to all Zambians, regardless of location.
