The country’s major referral hospitals are set to undergo major modernization, including the construction of helicopter pads, in preparation for operating air ambulances by mid-year.
Air ambulance aircraft were purchased from Russia last year.
A team of staff and technicians will travel to Russia this week to train in air ambulance operations and emergency management as part of laying the groundwork for the use of the aircraft.
The government has also begun purchasing new ground ambulances to supplement air services.
Last year, 20 senior doctors, nurses and ambulance crew were equipped with the necessary skills to handle emergency medical cases through an intensive training program conducted by Russian aviation paramedic trainers at the Parirenyatwa Hospital Group.
So far, 12 helicopters have been delivered, and the final batch is expected to be delivered later this year.
This purchase is part of a public-private partnership agreement involving the government and Russia’s Rostec.
In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mumbeshura said the government was completing final logistical procedures before the air ambulances began operating.
“One of the key requirements is to set up helicopter pads at major referral hospitals to facilitate smooth take-offs and landings. In addition, there is a need for a suitable fleet of ground ambulances that will complement the air ambulances once they are operational.
“Next week (this week), we will send a team to Russia to go and assess how air ambulance services work.
“More than 20 experts have already been trained since then by Russian medics at Parirenyatwa Hospital Group.”
Public health expert and lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Dr Johannes Marissa, said the use of air ambulances in Zimbabwe was a major milestone in the country’s healthcare system.
“It will strengthen emergency medical services and speed up the transfer of seriously ill patients to specialized medical facilities.
“The upcoming training in Russia for local air ambulance personnel and technicians represents another step forward in achieving this critical goal,” he said.
Local anesthetist and former flight paramedic, Dr Alfred Binday, who has extensive experience in critical care medicine, said the country’s air ambulance service promised to be a game-changer in emergency response.
“It promises to enhance response time and access to critical care for those in need, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
“I believe that for those who have already been trained, this was a crucial step in ensuring that the country’s air ambulance service operates at a high standard and meets the needs of the population,” he said.
In May last year, Zimbabwe received 18 brand new helicopters from Russia intended for emergency air medical services and law enforcement purposes.
Speaking after the delivery of the first batch of helicopters last year, President Mnangagwa said the aircraft were custom-made to suit local conditions.
He added: “When I discussed with my brother, (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, he recommended that their company, the Russian state company (Rostec), produce the type of equipment we want, and we requested these 18 pieces of equipment.” Sunday mail
