Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
A PATIENT battling a severe intestinal blockage became the first to be airlifted by Helidrive National Air Rescue Service in Victoria Falls this week, marking a historic moment for Zimbabwe’s emergency medical response system.
The dramatic mission saw the patient flown from Victoria Falls Hospital to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after doctors deemed the transfer critical due to lack of surgical services at the resort city’s hospital.
“The patient was stabilised prior to the airlift and arrived safely at Mpilo, where a specialised surgical team was on standby,” confirmed Dr Freddy Mhondiwa of Helidrive.
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The successful operation comes hot on the heels of Helidrive’s announcement that Victoria Falls will soon host its next base, joining Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe’s push for full national air rescue coverage.
Launched in 2024, the service is a brainchild of a high-level partnership between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmerson Mnangagwa to tackle Zimbabwe’s dire air medical transport challenges head-on.
During the recent ZITF, Helidrive unveiled plans to launch a national emergency call centre to streamline rapid response across the country. Trained dispatchers will determine whether emergencies require air or ground rescue, bringing Zimbabwe one step closer to a world-class medical evacuation system.
Helidrive has taken off and is saving lives already!
Blessing Chizhande