Zimbabwe started flying sick people to hospitals just seven months ago. They have already moved 267 patients through the air. This service helps many babies and children who live far from good medical care. The Russian company HeliDrive runs special aircraft that reach places regular ambulances cannot go.
Medical teams airlifted 76 children under the age of 18 this year, including 21 tiny babies, some only hours old. The flying doctors took 75 sick folks to Harare—60 grown-ups and 15 kids. They carried another 30 patients to Bulawayo hospitals—20 adults plus 10 children who needed fast help.
These flying hospitals carry medical gear just like real emergency rooms. Highly trained doctors work inside them during flights. Regular ambulances still handle most emergencies where roads exist. Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini said they bought more road ambulances recently because not every patient needs a helicopter ride.
Bad phone service creates problems when coordinating rescues. The air service still needs more landing spots at hospitals. They also want fuel stations for helicopters making long trips between cities. Dr. Evgenii Kibakin from HeliDrive Zimbabwe said three helicopters stay ready each day in both Harare and Bulawayo.
The doctor explained that HeliDrive teams up with local nurses and doctors to save lives. HeliDrive studies ways to improve emergency care across Zimbabwe. Russia and Zimbabwe signed an agreement to work together on healthcare improvements. They plan to build special emergency departments in more hospitals throughout the country.
Every air ambulance ride comes free for patients who need critical care. The flying medical teams bring hospital-quality treatment right to accident scenes and remote villages. This helps many people survive who might otherwise die waiting for help or traveling long distances by road.
Medical teams airlifted 76 children under the age of 18 this year, including 21 tiny babies, some only hours old. The flying doctors took 75 sick folks to Harare—60 grown-ups and 15 kids. They carried another 30 patients to Bulawayo hospitals—20 adults plus 10 children who needed fast help.
These flying hospitals carry medical gear just like real emergency rooms. Highly trained doctors work inside them during flights. Regular ambulances still handle most emergencies where roads exist. Deputy Health Minister Sleiman Kwidini said they bought more road ambulances recently because not every patient needs a helicopter ride.
Bad phone service creates problems when coordinating rescues. The air service still needs more landing spots at hospitals. They also want fuel stations for helicopters making long trips between cities. Dr. Evgenii Kibakin from HeliDrive Zimbabwe said three helicopters stay ready each day in both Harare and Bulawayo.
The doctor explained that HeliDrive teams up with local nurses and doctors to save lives. HeliDrive studies ways to improve emergency care across Zimbabwe. Russia and Zimbabwe signed an agreement to work together on healthcare improvements. They plan to build special emergency departments in more hospitals throughout the country.
Every air ambulance ride comes free for patients who need critical care. The flying medical teams bring hospital-quality treatment right to accident scenes and remote villages. This helps many people survive who might otherwise die waiting for help or traveling long distances by road.
