A ceremonial unveiling was held for the opening of the new AMS hangar facility built by Sizonke Civils and Engineering at the King Shaka International Airport, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

The function was also in appreciation and thanks to our valuable business partners, volunteers and supporters for their contribution in the success of the rural health outreach service (flying doctors service); and air ambulance service. The event was attended by the Special Advisor to the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Siphosihle Mdhluli; Head of Department of Health, Dr Sibongile Zungu and National Lotteries Board Chairman, Professor Ntshengedzeni Alfred Nevhutanda.

The rural health outreach service in KwaZulu-Natal provides delivery of appropriate and effective healthcare to rural communities, by flying specialists many of whom are volunteers, as well as support personnel to outlying hospitals since 1998. Specialist support is also provided to districts and secondary hospitals to address acute backlogs at district hospitals for patients in need of specialist care. In addition, the programme also addresses important community primary healthcare needs. Programmes include ophthalmology, orthopaedic appliances, E.N.T., speech therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, surgery and much more.

The opening included a grand display of the latest medical and aviation equipment as well as modern aircraft that will now form part of the KwaZulu-Natal rural health outreach and air ambulance program.

The AMS together with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health hope that the new facility will allow us to increase the access of quality healthcare to all communities in KwaZulu-Natal.