Produce aviation medicine professionals to handle in-flight emergencies-Call

DAR ES SALAAM: HIGHER earning institutions have been urged to introduce programmes for producing aviation medicine professionals to address the urgent need for such experts in the country.

According to the Aerospace Medical and Training Centre (AMTC), Tanzania currently has very few professionals trained to handle health emergencies during flights, despite the critical nature of such situations.

“Consider a situation where a passenger experiences a heart attack at 35,000 feet. At that moment, their survival depends on the presence of a flight attendant or professional trained in first aid and CPR, or even a doctor on board with the relevant knowledge.

Such expertise can make the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Nasra Omar, AMTC Chief Executive Officer, speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam ahead of the Centre’s fifth anniversary celebration on 4 April 2026.

Established five years ago, AMTC provides medical examinations for aviation personnel before issuing flight licenses, conducts aviation medical training, prepares staff for emergency medical situations, and promotes the health and well-being of aviation sector employees.

Over the past five years, more than 500 aviation personnel undergo medical examinations at the Centre each year.

Despite the growth of Tanzania’s aviation sector, Dr. Omar highlighted that the country currently has only 15 certified aviation medicine specialists. The shortage poses a challenge to airlines, which are required by regulatory standards to provide in-flight medical preparedness. AMTC has therefore been advising airlines to develop policies ensuring passengers and crew are aware of emergency procedures and available medical support.

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The Centre also trains cabin crew, pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers, and airport staff in first aid and emergency response. “Our mission is to ensure that every aviation professional is prepared to handle medical emergencies, protecting both passengers and colleagues,” Dr. Omar said.

To mark its fifth anniversary, AMTC will launch three major initiatives: the Aviation First Aid – Quick Guide Book, an online training platform for aviation medical courses, and a health screening campaign for aviation workers across major airports, including Julius Nyerere International Airport and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.

Screenings will cover blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, hemoglobin levels, and cancer awareness, ensuring early detection of health risks.

Dr. Omar emphasized that producing more aviation medicine professionals is critical to safeguarding passenger safety and supporting the sustainable growth of Tanzania’s aviation sector.