Since its launch in August 2024, the government's new air ambulance service, operated by Russian company HeliDrive, has saved the lives of 67 patients, including 21 children under the age of 17. The government-funded service provided critical emergency medical transport, ensuring that patients receive timely care in cases where rapid intervention is essential, which is especially important in rural areas where medical facilities can be limited, local media reported.
HeliDrive is training local professionals to operate the service, strengthening Zimbabwe's healthcare infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability. Currently, 40 pilots, 40 doctors, 50 nurses, 10 dispatchers, and 10 engineers are being trained.
The service is equipped with six Russian-provided air ambulances strategically located throughout the country to ensure rapid response. The initiative is part of the government's drive to modernize the healthcare system and aims to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and provide swift access to critical care.
HeliDrive ZIM medical director Dr. Freddy Mhondiwa highlighted the importance of the service for newborns with congenital problems, as 16 infants ranging in age from newly-born to five years old were airlifted for urgent medical attention.
"Most of the children we have been airlifting are neonates born with congenital defects who needed corrective surgeries at Sally Mugabe Central and Parirenyatwa Hospitals," said Dr. Mhondiwa.