Air Ambulance Service Marks Milestone in Zimbabwe’s Emergency Healthcare

📅 Published: August 21, 2025

📰 Source: zimcelebsblitz

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Government officials report that the service has matured into a reliable lifeline. “Since  in August 2024: Over 260 critically ill patients have been airlifted to major health institutions,” the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting confirmed.

Notable among these were the two children transferred for specialised cancer treatment.

The air ambulance service is a pioneering effort in Zimbabwe’s healthcare landscape and was introduced with the support of a fleet of 18 helicopters delivered in 2023.

Of these, six were specifically allocated to air ambulance operations, stationed in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and the Manicaland region.

One of the earliest success stories came from Chegutu, where a cardiac arrest victim was airlifted in only 20 minutes to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital—saving critical time and adhering to the “Golden Hour” principle of emergency care.

By October 2024, the service had officially d 67 lives.

That number included 21 children under medical evacuation—16 infants, three children aged six to 12, and two aged 12 to 17.

The majority were newborns with congenital conditions requiring surgery at central hospitals.

The air ambulance initiative represents a major upgrade to Zimbabwe’s public healthcare capacity.

Analysts described it as a modernization step that strengthens national health infrastructure and reduces reliance on road transfers, which often delay urgent care.

While some logistical challenges remain—particularly around sustained funding, fleet upkeep, and personnel training—the service is increasingly seen as essential to national health security.

Plans are already underway to expand aviation capacity and to train more local medical and aviation personnel to sustain the service. 🔗

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