In Zimbabwe, a 54-year-old woman injured in a road accident was transported by an Ansat helicopter equipped with a medical module to the hospital in the capital Harare by a four-person paramedic team of Russian and Zimbabwean specialists. The victim was treated promptly thanks to the country’s air ambulance system, The Herald reported.
The health sector using the medical version of the Russian Ansat helicopter has been established in Zimbabwe at the initiative of the country’s government, the Second Republic. In May this year, Zimbabwe received 18 new helicopters manufactured at the Kazan Helicopter Plant from Russia to provide emergency medical care, law enforcement and tourism security. The number of helicopters delivered is expected to increase to 32 by the end of next year.
Acting Chief Medical Officer at Bindura Provincial Hospital, Dr Moses Masoka, said the patient sustained chest injuries and fractures to her upper limbs. He said the decision to transfer the victim to the capital’s hospital was taken after discussions with cardiologists and surgeons at the local hospital. “This was made possible thanks to one of the Ansat medical helicopters handed over to Zimbabwe by Russian Helicopters Holding in March this year,” he said.
“The airlift attracted a large number of onlookers who described it as a boost to the country’s healthcare system. Some of the fully equipped helicopters will be used for air ambulance, air police, disaster rescue operations, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe,” The Herald writes.
In addition, the publication notes, the helicopters are designed to stimulate the development of the tourism sector, providing guaranteed medical care for tourists, using emergency air assistance, which will be provided in resort areas.
The first Ansat helicopter in medical configuration and an ambulance was handed over for the needs of Zimbabwe’s emergency services during the visit of a Russian delegation to the African republic in September 2022. In May 2023, Russian Helicopters handed over a batch of 18 Ansats to the republic.
The experience in creating the first air ambulance service on the African continent will be presented during the Second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which will be held from 26 to 29 July in St. Petersburg.
