The Russian team will conduct an intensive training
programme for senior doctors, nurses and ambulance staff at Parirenyatwa Group
of Hospitals in Harare.
In May, Zimbabwe took delivery of 18 brand-new helicopters
from Russia for emergency air medical services and law enforcement. Twelve will
be used for the national air ambulance service.
An additional 14 helicopters will be delivered next year,
under a public-private sector partnership agreement between Government and the
Russian State Corporation.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Health and Child Care
Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze said: “The Russian team is coming
next week (this week) to train our doctors, nurses and ambulance staff so that
we can roll out the service in an organised and efficient manner.
“The first group comprises experienced doctors, nurses and
other support staff.
“This will be done at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.”
The Government-funded air medical transport service is
provided to critically ill or injured people within a country’s borders.
Such services are typically provided using helicopters or
fixed-wing aircraft to transport patients from, say, the scene of an accident
to a hospital equipped to provide the necessary care.
Experts say air ambulances come in handy as they can
rapidly transport patients to hospitals, especially from remote areas or those
with limited access to ground ambulance services.
This timely transport can be crucial in saving lives and
improving patient outcomes during what is referred to as the “golden hour” in
medicine.
The “golden hour” refers to the critical period soon after
a traumatic injury during which prompt medical and surgical intervention is
most effective in preventing death.
The Kazan Ansat helicopters are equipped with a full suite
of advanced medical equipment — including a ventilator, infusion pumps, a
cardiac monitor and a defibrillator.
The Ansat can accommodate up to two patients on stretchers,
or up to four patients seated.
The ambulances have an environmental control system that
maintains a comfortable temperature and humidity level in the cabin, even in
extreme conditions.
Also, the helicopters have a quiet engine and cabin, which
helps to reduce patient stress and anxiety.
There are plans to set up bases for the helicopters, which
have a flying range of about 350km, initially in places such as Victoria Falls,
Mutare, Gweru, Bulawayo and Masvingo.
Public health expert and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Dr
Johannes Marisa said establishment of a national air ambulance service was a
major leap in the development of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
“Particularly during the upcoming festive season, when road
accidents tend to occur at higher rates, the air ambulances are poised to be
instrumental in saving lives and minimising the impact of emergencies,” he
said.
“By leveraging on state-of-the-art technology and
specialised training, the country is poised to mitigate the devastating
consequences of emergencies and improve overall health care outcomes.”
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director
Mr Itai Rusike said it was Government’s duty to guarantee the availability,
accessibility and affordability of effective and quality emergency medical
services.
“Good-quality emergency medical services provide an
immediate solution to a variety of illnesses and injuries and the treatment and
transportation of people in health situations that may be life-threatening,” he
said.
Mr Rusike said there was need to adequately fund emergency
departments in health institutions to cope with critically ill patients.
Government has been working on initiatives to modernise the
country’s public healthcare system.
Last year, it procured 100 fully kitted ambulances that
were distributed to public health institutions countrywide.
In addition, Government, in collaboration with NMS
Infrastructure Limited, a British company, is constructing 30 22-bed health
centres and five 60-bed district hospitals across the country through a US$210
million facility.
Construction of two medical centres in Stoneridge (Harare)
and Cowdray Park (Bulawayo) has already been completed, while others in Mataga
(Mberengwa) and the Runyararo Health Centre in Chimanimani are nearing
completion. Sunday Mail
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