Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
ZIMBABWE is making history — and this time it’s in the skies!
Thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zimbabwe has become the first African nation on course to offer countrywide public air rescue services through the newly launched Helidrive National Air Rescue Service.
The life-saving service, officially launched in August 2024, is already flying high, with over 450 patients rescued — including 150 tiny neonates (babies less than 28 days old)!
Speaking at the Ministry of Health and Child Care stand at the just-ended 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Dr Rudo Gumbo revealed that Helidrive began operating from Harare in July 2024, with a second base opening in Bulawayo by December.
Already, 60 lives have been saved from the Matabeleland region, with the helicopters responding swiftly to medical emergencies across the country.
“This service was born to solve Zimbabwe’s critical medical transport challenges,” said Dr Gumbo.
Helidrive National Air Rescue now operates under the Ministry of Health and Child Care, promising a new era where no life is too far to save!
