The acquisition is a response to the increasing need to transfer Covid-19 positive patients by air ambulance between medical facilities.

Stephen Gitau, Chief Executive Officer at AMREF Flying Doctors, said: “Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the region we have received numerous requests to transport infected patients within Kenya and in the region. To ensure that we do this safely and with minimal exposure to our medical and air crew as well members of the public, we decided to invest in the two portable isolation chambers.”

From now, all AMREF Flying Doctors clients – including the Disciplined forces, Civil Servants and Public Secondary School students covered under the National Hospital Insurance Fund contract for Emergency Air Evacuation Services – will have access to the patient transport isolation units in the event of a medical evacuation.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Kenya, AMREF Flying Doctors has supported the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health and has rendered logistical and professional support whenever called upon to do so.

“The introduction of portable isolation chambers will enable AMREF Flying Doctors to increase medical evacuation capacity, by being able to transport Covid-19 positive patients onboard our aircraft, in the best interest of the patient and our hard working staff,” said Stephen Gitau.