The Transnet-Phelophepa train will bring much-needed primary health-care services to the Overberg region and will be in operation at Elgin Station from Monday 28 August until Friday 8 September.
Transnet’s two health-care trains, Phelophepa I and II, are designed to provide basic medical services to those who cannot afford to pay for health care. The trains travel through the country from January to October each year visiting rural communities.
Each train has more than 30 permanent staff members and students, including nurses, healthcare educators, opticians, psychologists, dentists, managers, translators and security staff.
There are 19 fully refurbished and equipped coaches on each train, which include a health-care clinic, eye clinic, dental clinic, psychology clinic as well as a cancer- and diabetes-screening section. All services on the Phelophepa train are free, while the costs of procedures, prescriptions and items such as glasses vary from R5 to R30.
Theewaterskloof Mayor Kallie Papier said the Phelophepa train’s visit is a perfect example of the positive impact that collaborations between government, the private sector and public entities such as Transnet can have on people’s lives.
He added: “The impact that this programme is making is huge and I can’t wait to see the first patient receive their new glasses or much needed dental work.
“A new pair of prescription glasses can cost hundreds or even thousands of rand and we know that not everyone can afford that. This visit means that more than one person will be able to see better for just R30 when the Phelophepa train has left Theewaterskloof. I also want to encourage people to make use of the teeth cleaning services and fillings that will be done on-site for as little as R10.”
The Phelophepa I train has been changing lives since 1994, functioning as just an eye clinic before being upgraded. Phelophepa II was inaugurated in 2012, doubling the impact of this service and the number of people they can reach.
Theewaterskloof’s Municipal Manager Wilfred Solomons-Johannes says staff have been working closely with Transnet for weeks in preparation for the train’s arrival.
“The services provided by the Phelophepa train are vital and can be life changing,” he said. “We know government hospitals and clinics are spread thin, with long waiting periods and many people in our communities don’t have money to spend on private health care.
“We are thrilled to welcome the staff of the Phelophepa train to Elgin and help as many residents as possible during the two weeks that the train is here . . .
“There is a lot of logistical planning, groundwork, assessments and such that happens behind the scenes before the Phelophepa train can pull up at your station, but our team will leave no stone unturned to ensure services can commence come 28 August. It is a privilege to have the train in Theewaters-kloof and we encourage all residents and neighbours to use the services, as it will be available only for two weeks.”
