In an atmosphere filled with song, joy, and gratitude, the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has joined hands with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Itawa,Ndola District to offer free medical services as part of the church’s 40th-anniversary celebrations.

The parish grounds came alive with music as parishioners, young and old, gathered to receive not only spiritual nourishment but also essential healthcare services, a lifeline for many.

With His Grace Dr. Benjamin Phiri, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ndola, officiating the event, the church marked its four decades of service to the community.

The event culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for the parish and the communities it serves.

In a heartwarming show of compassion and outreach, ZFDS set up medical station within the church premises, offering free consultations, laboratory tests, dental checkups, eye care with free reading glasses, and the dispensing of much-needed medications.

The joy was profound as many parishioners received the care they needed.

"I have had problems with my eyes for years, but today I finally got a pair of reading glasses for free," shared one elderly parishioner. "This means so much to me. It feels like a blessing."

For many, this event was not just about celebrating the church’s milestone, but also about recognizing the value of health and community.

“We are deeply grateful for these services,” said one parishioner. “Most of us here cannot afford to go to private clinics, and today, ZFDS has given us hope and care.

This is a blessing for our community.”

“Healthcare is a human right, and we are proud to support communities like Itawa in any way we can," said Dr.Hannah Chilando .

"Seeing the smiles on people’s faces and the gratitude in their hearts is the most rewarding part of our work."

As ZFDS we continue to provide health care services to all in order to save lives.