Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
WHEN the Government introduced the Helidrive National Air Rescue Service last year, it faced skepticism and criticism from some sectors including opposition parties.
Critics claimed it was a service meant only for the elite, benefiting Government officials at taxpayers’ expense.
However, recent developments have showcased the programme’s true impact.
To date, nearly 500 critically ill patients have been airlifted across the country including 131 from the Matabeleland region.
Among them was Mr Joel Gabuza, a senior opposition party member and former Cabinet minister, who was severely injured in an attack earlier this month.
Mr Gabuza was airlifted from Hwange Colliery Hospital to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, a journey that typically takes at least seven hours by road but was completed in under 45 minutes by air.
Social and political commentators have noted that the airlifting of a prominent opposition figure challenges unfounded claims about the service being exclusive to the politically connected.
Methuseli Moyo, a seasoned journalist and lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), emphasised the need for Zimbabweans to view such initiatives without political bias.
“Yes, the air ambulance service was ridiculed in some quarters. Hopefully, the service it did in saving the life of a prominent opposition figure will help us see things through non-political eyes,” Moyo stated.
Mr Nhlanhla Dube, a political science student at the University of Zimbabwe, praised the Helidrive initiative as a progressive Government move.
He highlighted the importance of the service in quickly transporting critical patients especially given the poor state of the road network.
“The service has suffered from limited promotion, which must be corrected as it is a critical national health service that saves lives,” Dube remarked.
He urged a collective focus on service delivery rather than political polarisation.
Mr Timothy Mncube, leader of the Zimbabwe African National Congress, expressed hope that the airlifting of Mr Gabuza would demonstrate that Helidrive serves all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation.
“We are excited to see this lifesaving work continue and we hope it sets a precedent for more inclusive emergency services,” Mncube said.
The Helidrive National Air Rescue Service was established through a partnership between the Russian Republic and Zimbabwe reflecting a commitment to improving air evacuation capabilities in the face of national challenges.
Air ambulances play a crucial role in emergency medical response offering intensive care and overcoming geographical barriers.
The successful airlifting of patients including those from various political backgrounds serves as a reminder of the service’s importance and its potential to benefit all Zimbabweans. As the programme continues to grow, it is essential to promote its availability and effectiveness across communities.
