ZIMBABWE has recently embarked on a transformative journey in its healthcare sector with the launch of air ambulance services. This initiative, spearheaded by the Government and supported by international partnerships, marks a significant milestone in improving emergency medical response and healthcare accessibility across the nation. The air ambulance service in Zimbabwe officially took off in August 2024, coinciding with the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.
This service utilises a fleet of six helicopters provided by the Russian company Rostec, strategically stationed in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Manicaland. The helicopters are equipped with advanced medical facilities and staffed by trained medical personnel, ensuring rapid and efficient medical transport for critically ill patients. One of the first successful missions of the air ambulance service involved transporting a cardiac arrest patient from Chegutu to Harare.
This mission, which took only 20 minutes, significantly reduced the travel time compared to the two-hour road journey, adhering to the “Golden Hour” principle in emergency care. This rapid response capability is crucial in saving lives, particularly in remote and under-served areas. The introduction of air ambulance services is poised to have a profound impact on Zimbabwe’s health sector including: Improved Emergency Response: Quickly transporting patients to well-equipped hospitals can drastically improve survival r.