Zambia Flying Doctor Service

GOVT's RESPONSE TO CHOLERA DELIGHTS CHIEF MPEZENI🌟

His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni Iv of the Ngoni people in Chipata,Eastern Province has commended Government for its effort to fight Cholera in the country.

The Chief has also commended the Minister of Health Hon.Sylvia T.Masebo for working round the clock to the ensuring that the disease is eradicated.

The traditional leadership stressed that the country's health sector is under leadership that is offering critical direction to the different components of health systems which includes infrastructure, medicines and medical products, health workers and health information.

"The Minister has worked hard especially during this period and we can attest.We cannot take it away from her but commend her for the good work she is doing to contain the epidemic.

She has even sent you as ZFDS to cover Ncwala because where they are crowds it's difficult to contain the disease incase a case is recorded," he said.

And Chief Mpezeni has applauded ZFDS for ensuring that the health sector attainment of Universal Health Coverage in the country gains momentum.

"We are grateful for servicing our people.We are also happy that you have supported us in this years Nc’wala traditional ceremony.

Even last year ,you supported us and provided medical services for free and you are back this year.You have become one of us and you are our family. Thank you to your management (ZFDS),"he said.

Meanwhile, ZFDS has provided medical services to Ngoni chiefs drawn from different districts in Eastern province.

The team set up camp at Laweni place in Mtenguleni village yesterday.The services provided included general screening,eye and dental screening, laboratory services and orthopaedics.

The ZFDS also contributed a total of 1500 bottles on Chlorine to help contain the spread of Cholera during the ceremony.

# of his royal highness courtesy of Ncwala Zambia

WOMEN IN MAMBWE TAKE UP DIFFERENT FAMILY PLANNING METHODS🌟

Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has recorded milestone in providing specialized medical services as more than 20 women have been successfully operated on.

ZFDS Gynaecology and obstetrics specialist Dr. Chota Phiri has been camped at Mambwe General Hospital where a number of procedures including Bilateral tubal litigation (BTL) have been conducted.

BTL is a surgical procedure for females in which fallopian tubes are cut, tied or blocked permanently to prevent pregnancy.

The District Hospital had pre-booked a number of cases drawn from various villages after counseling and obtaining consent was done and what was pending was a specialist to be able to conduct the said procedures.

The beneficiaries include 32-year-old woman of Kamwanjili village who gave birth to a set of twins on Saturday 24th February 2024 at Mambwe District Hospital, Eastern Province.This was her fifth pregnancy and fourth consecutive set of identical twin girls.

After delivery,she requested that permanent contraception be done on her.

“I was delighted when I heard that a Gynaecology and obstetrics specialist was sent to our district. I really wanted to access permanent contraception by having my fallopian tubes tied.

My husband and I agreed that this was the route we should take and even if children are a blessing ,we could no longer afford to have more children because we have limited income sources to fend for the children.

We have eight (8) children in total now." she narrated .

The procedure was successfully done on her by the surgeon with the help of the Anesthetist Mr. Jordan Bwalya.

REVIVE MOBILE HOSPITALS - CHIEFTAINESS MSORO PLEADS ZFDS🌟

Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Msoro of the K***a people of Mambwe District in Eastern Province has appealed to Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) to utilize mobile hospital trucks.

Speaking when a team of medical personnel sent to the district by ZFDS visited her at her palace, Chieftainess Msoro recalled that when the mobile hospitals where launched in the country they impacted positively through provision of primary and specialised health care services to inhabitants in the rural areas.

Chieftainess Msoro emphasized that if the initiative is revived there is hope that equal access to medical health services for all can be attained.

"Our district is rural and for it's population, travelling to the nearest health post, doctor or hospital is often an insurmountable problem in terms of distance and the relatively high cost of public transport.

But I am of the view that revamping of such facilities can be able to provide medical services to those who live hundreds of kilometres from alternative, fixed-location hospitals around the country.

I recall that they were equipped with X-ray machines, laboratories and even a surgical theatre, independent power and water supplies,

Using of such model is the best vehicle for the country to attain universal free health care,"she said.

Meanwhile ,ZFDS Mambwe team lead Samuel Siyanga informed the chieftainess that from facilities serviced people did respond positively.

Dr.Sianga reported that from the patients screened in the chiefdom ,sexually transmitted diseases (STI's) was very common among the adolescents.

Dr. Siyanga asked the chiefdom to work with Ministry of Health Structures and intensify education in the chiefdom on the preventive measures and treatment for those already infected.

And in a related development, His Royal Highness Chief Munkhanya of K***a people in Mambwe District of Eastern Province has asked ZFDS to increase medical outreaches.

Speaking when the team visited his Palace the traditional leader indicated that there was need to enhance periodic visits to close the demand gap.He thanked the team for setting camp in his chiefdom.

Chief Munkhanya was later screened by ZFDS opthalmologist.

MAN WITH THROBBING TOOTH PAIN RELIEVED AFTER SURGERY🌟

"I'm so grateful for the Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) for coming to our village.

Over the years i have experienced severe,persistent toothache and swelling on the gums.I relied on pain killers just to enable me sleep. I became unproductive because I could not work" narrates 51 year old man of Njipi village in samfya.

The patient was attended to by ZFDS Dental therapist Muswila Meleka who is in samfya on a medical outreach.

The Service is in the district delivering services which includes general screening,dental and eye, laboratory and surgical procedures.

In the last 6 days, surgeon Robert Banda has successfully operated on over 14 patients with different complications drawn from different villages around Samfya District of Luapula Province.

The surgical procedures conducted include hernioraphies, excision of a sebaceous horn and hydrocelectomy among other minor procedures.

Dr.Banda disclosed that the patients have since been discharged but two patients who presented complex conditions are under observation for post surgery care.

However,Dr. Banda disclosed that some patients booked were unable to face surgery due to malaria and respiratory infections.

Meanwhile, Samfya District Hospital Medical Officer Dr. Abinar Chinyanje has expressed gratitude to ZFDS supplementing medical services in the areas of specialised medical services.

Dr.Chinyanje said the medical service provision has enabled settlers in the area and neighbouring districts to benefit without a cost.

He has appealed to the Service to continue with its mandate in delivering medical services in rural Zambia.

ZFDS SURGEON REMOVES 3 LITRES FLUID FILLED SAC🌟

Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has conducted hydrocelectomy surgery on a 92 year old man of Mabo Village,Samfya District to ease discomfort.

The procedure involves removal of the sac containing fluid which has built up around the male organ.

The patient who resides in the named village located on the outskirts of Samfya District was operated on at Samfya District Hospital.

Emerging from the theater room after an hour operation, ZFDS Surgeon Dr.Robert Banda said the procedure was successful and the patient is stable.

Dr.Banda said the patient experienced build up in his sc***um in a period of one and a half years.He attributed the development as a result of a chronic non malignant tumor.

"We were extremely careful at every stage of the procure including anesthesia administration. It was a delicate operation noting the age of the patient

We managed to drain off 3 liters of fluid which was a major discomfort as it was in his private parts," he narrated.

The patient whose identity has been withheld is still admitted at the facility under observation and is receiving post surgery care.

He will be discharged after approval of improvement.

The team is conducting its last set of medical services today.

PHOTO FOCUS🌟 Nc’wala 2024

Health is wealth ,The team today continued to provide medical services to the multitude of people who attended the ceremony.More services are being offered tomorrow at Laweni palace in mtenguleni village and they will decamp on Monday.

ZFDS DATES NCWALA🌟

Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) medical team is in chipata, Eastern Province to provide Emergency medical services during Nc'wala traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people.

The medical team being led by Chief Medical Officer Dr.Chisanga P**a upon arrival on Tuesday ,20th February,2024 paid a courtesy call on the Provincial Medical Officer (PHD) Dr. Mathew Ng'ambi.

Dr.P**a said the team sent included a medical Doctor to deal with trauma who is specialised in orthopedics other services being offered include dental,lab and eye services.

Meanwhile, PHD Dr. Ng'ambi praised ZFDS for it's effort in ensuring that they cover the country through medical outreach programmes.

Dr.Ng'ambi said the large part of Province is rural and delivery of medical services to all corners is a challenge.

"We are receiving such levels of support from the Service with utmost gratefulness.

Dr.Ng'ambi pledged to the team all the needed support.

Acting DHD Dr.Jairo Mulambya said the district was happy to host the team and expressed happiness that the Service had sent to the District a specialist in orthopedics.

Dr.Mulambya said the district had a backlog and it was becoming a financial drain to transport patients on referral to higher facilities.

He also mentioned that the district has combined efforts with Kasenegwa District health office to put up a team to cover the ceremony.
He said the team was ready to work with ZFDS who had come to enhance the numbers on the medical front.

Furthermore,The team yesterday paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV who was elated that the team was in his Chiefdom.He indicated that he is happy with the work the Service has been doing in his Chiefdom and around the Country and pledged to offer the support needed.

The team also serviced Jerusalem facility and attended to over 600 patients yesterday.

The uMkhosi WeNcwala, otherwise popularly known as Nc’wala Ceremony is the first major traditional ceremony in the Zambian calendar year of traditional ceremonies and is held on the last Saturday of February.

About two (2) Thousand people are expected to be in chipata District this weekend to join in the celebrations.

of His Royal highness courtesy of Ncwala Zambia

LUWINGU'S CHIEF KASONDE CALLS FOR INCREASED MEDICAL OUTREACHES🌟

Sub Chief Kasonde Shimumbi of Isangano, Luwingu District Northern Province has called on Government to increase the number of medical outreaches being implemented under Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS).

Speaking when he visited Kasunga Rural Health Centre (RHC) where ZFDS medical personnel had set up camp for the day, the Chief stressed that frequent implementation of such programmes covering the entire country will help in reduction of disease burden in remote and rural areas.

Speaking in an interview Sub Chief Kasonde said it was his desire to witness a country attaining equity in health service delivery for all.

"I want to thank Zambia Flying Doctors Service for conducting a seven (7) day outreach in Luwingu.This is a very good idea and we are happy that we were considered in this outreach .

But we want to see you more frequently and by doing so you will reduce the disease burden in the villages.

People struggle here to access the services and cover over 140KM to access Luwingu General Hospital,please continue," he said.

Luwingu Outreach Team lead Dr. Mukuka Nkole said the medical team during the the outreach programme will provide services such as General, Dental, Orthopedic, Ophthalmology, Laboratory and Pharmacy.

MAMBWE DC APPEALS FOR INCREASED FUNDING TO ZFDS🌟

Mambwe District Commissioner (DC) William Banda has appealed to Government to consider increasing grant allocated to Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS).

Speaking when a team of medical personnel sent to service the district paid a courtesy visit on his office,Mr.Banda emphasized that the Service in implementing it's mandate is touching a lot of people with the majority being poor.

Mr.Banda observed that equity in access to medical service in rural areas is unattainable because of a number of factors but mainly due to lack of access roads.

"Mambwe is a rural District. Majority of the people in this rural part of the country are poor.
What ZFDS is doing should be commended and supported by all well meaning Zambians because this is the only model that can enable people in unserviced communities also have access to medical services," he said.

He has since urged ZFDS not to relent on its path to ensuring that universal health coverage is attained by the Ministry of Health.

"The Service is doing a good job and it will be pleasing to witness that they be empowered with transport such as a helicopter.

This is because they have proved that it can be done with what they have in it's fleet and they can do more if they are adequately funded," he said.

And the team lead by Dr. Samuel Siyanga paid a visit on the office of the District Health Director (DHD).

Dr.Siyanga informed the DHD that during the seven (7) day outreach program , the medical team is to prioritise the hard to reach areas in the district that had been cut off because of the rains.

He mentioned that the team will be offering eye and dental services, general screening, laboratory and dispensing of drugs.
He also mentioned that specialised medical services in obstetrics and gynecology were being offered and the Medical Doctor is stationed at Mambwe District Hospital.

Meanwhile ,DHD Dr. Mutale Masamu said the the district has population catchment of 124,000 people serviced by only two medical doctors.

Dr. Masamu said the coming in of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service was a huge relief to the medical staff deployed to the District.

CHIEF KASOMA IN SAMFYA THANKS GOVERNMENT FOR REVAMPING ZFDS🌟

"When I was a child ,ZFDS was a household name in the villages.We used to see planes fly medical personnel and drugs into Kapata East and service the villagers.

It was an exciting time,"His Royal Highness Chief Kasoma Bangweulu of Samfya exclaimed.

This was when a team of medical personnel sent to the District in Luapula Province paid a courtesy visit on his palace.

Chief Bangweulu recalled that back in the days ZFDS used to be active and he remembered how people used to get excited at the sight of the Aeroplanes.

"I was very young then but I can remember how the visit by ZFDS in our village used to make us happy when we saw the plane.

The people knew that help had come their way because medical services were brought closer to home," he narrated.

Chief Kasoma Bangweulu has since thanked the Government for revamping the Service as it was a key vehicle to servicing people in remote and rural parts of the country.

And the Chief has implored ZFDS employees to work deligently in serving the country.

"Serve the people without any reservations.

You have been sent here (Samfya) because the Government entrusted you to deliver on its mandate to achieve universal health coverage for all," he said.

Meanwhile,the team led by Dr.Hastings Sikafuwa also paid a visit on the office of the District Commissioner (DC) Keith Mulenga and District Health Director (DHD) Kabwe Cardson.

In his welcoming remarks the DC Keith Mulenga said the visit will enforce on already deployed medical staff in the district and clear backlog of cases to be treated.

He called for more support to the Service from Government.

ZFDS VISIT ELATES CHIEF MUKUPA KAOMA IN LUNTE DISTRICT🌟

His Royal Highness Chief Mukupa Kaoma of the Lungu people of Lunte District,Northern Province has expressed happiness at the sight of ZFDS medical team in his Chiefdom.

Speaking when the team lead by team lead Japheth Siasulwe,Chief Mukupa Kaoma narrated that his been watching and hearing through the media how other Chiefdoms have benefited free medical services from Government through ZFDS.

He stated that the medical outreach programme will increase access to preventive, diagnostic and treatment services.

"I am happy that you are in Lunte to provide medical services and I can describe it as a dream come true.

We have just been hearing about ZFDS rendering services in other areas. Please deliver the message to management that I have requested that we should be visited frequently because our people are failing to travel to Kasama and other places to access specialized services," he said.

Meanwhile,the medical team paid a visit on the office of the Council Secretary (CS) Jonathan Mwanza who expressed gratitude that the Service has reached out to Lunte.

They also paid a courtesy call on the office of the District commissioner (DC)Joseph Chilando.

The team has since set up camp for the day at Mukupa Kaoma Rural Health Centre (RHC).

Medical services being provided for free include general screening, eye and dental screening, dispensation of drug and reading glasses.

ZFDS HOLDS JOINT DEPARTMENTAL WORKSHOP🌟

Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has today 19th February,2024 held a workshop for its employees drawn from Finance,Legal Services and Corporate Affairs and Audit.

The workshop is being held under the theme "Navigating Transformation: Building Synergy for Financial Integrity and Organizational Excellence”.

ZFDS Chief Executive office (CEO) Dr. George Ng’uni in his opening remarks to the team applauded the departments for having organized such a workshop.The meeting which is being held at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium conference room in Ndola is being attended by personnel from Legal,Business Development,Finance and Audit.

Dr.Ng'uni encouraged the team to work within the required legal time frame and ensure that we look at the How,When and take into consideration and embrace the seven (7) core values of the Service which are :
1. Care,
2. Respect,
3. Confidentiality,
4. Cleanliness,
5. Integrity,
6. Impartiality and
7. Excellence.

He urged the facilitators to ensure that the talking points prepared should enlighten employees of the transformation agenda of ZFDS.

"You should come out of the meeting different with a renewed focused mind.
The Service has decided to call for this workshop to use it as platform to remind each other of our responsibility at ZFDS.

Let all participants take time to introspect and ensure the knowledge from the workshop will enable us do the work correctly and deliver on the expectations," he said.

The Facilitators of the workshop include Directors and heads of department from the Service with the topics including but not limited to :Overview of operations of the finance department, Explanation of the Audit roles and functions of the audit department vis a vis overview of audit lifecycle from planing to reporting and Fraud Prevention and detection.

This is a one day workshop and it is hoped that the knowledge inculcated will yield positive results in our operations as a Service.

ZFDS FEBRUARY OUTREACH SCHEDULE 🌟

Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) is implementing its monthly routine and specialised medical outreach programmes in selected Districts across the country.

Below is the schedule of dates indicating the respective districts and Rural Health Centers (RHC) and Health Posts(HP) being serviced by ZFDS from the 19th of February to the 26th of February,2024.

🌟NORTHERN PROVINCE 🌟

🌟Lunte District
1. Mukupa Kaoma RHC- 19/02/2024
2. Shibwalya Kapila RHC-20/02/2024,
3. Kapatu RHC- 21/02/2024
4. Mukolwe RHC22/02/2024,
5. Chitoshi RHC-23/02/2024,
6. Mulenga Mapesa RHC-24/02/2024,
7. Mpalapata RHC-25/02/2024

🌟Milenge District
1. Milenge East 7RHC-19/02/2024,
2. Kapalala RHC- 20/02/2024,
3. Sokotwe RHC-21/02/2024,
4. Chipundu RHC- 22/02/2024,
5. Changwe Lungo -23/02/2024,
6. Milulu RHC- 24/02/2024,
7. Kafwanka RHC-25/02/2024.

🌟LUSAKA PROVINCE🌟
🌟Chongwe District
1. Chongwe RHC- 19/02/2024,
2. Chainda RHC- 20/02/2024,
3. Kanakantapa RHC- 21/02/2024,
4. Kampekete RHC-22/02/2024,
5. Lwiimba RHC-23/02/2024,
6. Mutamino HP-24/02/2024,
7. Twikatane HP -25/02/2024

🌟EASTERN PROVINCE 🌟
🌟Mambwe District
Three facilities have been earmarked by the DHD and will be serviced from the 19th to the 25th of February,2024 ,these are:
1. Msoro RHC
2. Kakumbi RHC
3. Masumba RHC

🌟Chadiza District

1. Chadiza RHC- 19/02/2024,
2. Chamandala H P- 20/02/2024,
3. Chanida Border HP-21/02/2024,
4. Chanida RHC- 22/02/2024,
5. Chanjowe HP -23/02/2024,
6. Chilenga HP-24/02/2024,
7. John RHC-25/02/2024.

🌟LUAPULA PROVINCE🌟

🌟Samfya District

1. Kapata E1 -19/02/2024,
2.Chisanka RHC -20/02/2024,
3. Njipi RHC-21/02/2024,
4.Mabo K***a RHC-22/02/2024,
5. Mushili RHC-23/02/2024,
6. Fwaka East 8 RHC-24/02/2024.
7.Kansaka RHC 25/02/2024

🌟Luwingu District
1. Ndoki RHC-19/02/2024,
2. Kasunga RHC-20/02/2024,
3. Njoko RHC-21/02/2024,
4. Shimumbi RHC-22/02/2024,
5. Misambula -23/02/2024,
6. Malekani-24/02/2024,
7. Mucheleka-25/02/2024

take the opportunity and receive the free medical services being offered by ZFDS for a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

🌟ZFDS FEBRUARY OUTREACHES IN MOTION🌟

Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) Chief Executive Officer Dr.George Ng'uni has tasked the eight (8) Medical teams sent out on medical outreach programme in selected Districts across the country to ensure that they leave no patient unattended to as the outreach programs are meant to ensure that supplementary health services are accessed by all in the targeted rural and hard to reach parts of the Country.

He stressed that medical outreaches are a model being used to service the underserved communities and record significant impact on health and well - being of the people of Zambia.

"There is no laxity as you go to service the rural parts of the country. He urged the team to work professionally and all inclusive in providing the said services”.

ZFDS has today 18th February,2024 commenced the dispatch of eight (8) medical teams to implement routine and specialized outreach programmes for the month of February,2024.

The general services being offered in all the districts include general screening, radiology, pharmacy, eye screening,dental screening and laboratory services. Medicines and reading glasses will be dispensed free of charge by the Service in the following Provinces and districts for 7 days:

1. Luapula (Luwingu and Samfya),
2. Northern (Milenge and Lunte),
3. Lusaka (rural Chongwe),
4. Eastern (Chadiza and Mambwe).

The Specialised medical services being implemented in three of the districts include;

1. Obstetrics (care of reproductive system in women) in Mambwe District.
2. Orthopedics (dealing with deformities of bones or muscles) in Luwingu District.
3. Surgery (medical operation) in Samfya District.

🌟Look out for the Schedule of Rural Health centres (RHC) in the respective Districts which are being serviced by ZFDS during this month's outreaches🌟

The Service is also taking part in this years 2024 Nc’wala ceremony of the Ngoni Speaking to be held in Chipata Province.The team is expected to start the specialized medical outreach on Tuesday,20th of February to Monday,26th of February,2024 and provide general and specialist medical services.

The Service through the Ministry of Health continues to supplement the efforts of Government by bringing medical services to as close to the people as possible.

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🌟CHOLERA SENSITIZATION PHOTO FOCUS🌟

Today the 17th of February,2024, ZFDS members of staff in conjunction with the Senior community zone leaders carried out a Cholera sensitization walk in Senior community.

The essence was to teach the community on the dangers of cholera and the use of Chlorine and other preventive measures .

ZFDS was led by Chief Executive officer,Dr George Ng’uni and all Directors and heads of department took part in the exercise.
A total of 2000 bottles of chlorine and 10 ,50kg bags of lime were distributed.

Cholera is a preventable disease and together we can🙏🏽🌟