Swartland Municipality is excited to welcome the Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare Train to Darling.
Phelophepa is a Sotho and Venda word meaning “good, clean health”.
This train is a Transnet initiative and visits various municipalities annually to provide basic health care services to communities. This service aims to support existing government health services and works with all local stakeholders to coordinate its visit. The train arrived in Darling on Saturday 17 September and was welcomed by the Executive Mayor of Swartland, Harold Cleophas, along with councillors and officials of the municipality. The train will be based at the Darling Train Station until 30 September and will be operating on weekdays.
The Phelophepa train boasts consulting rooms spacious enough to accommodate a patient, an escort, a nurse and clinical supervisor.
All residents from across the Swartland are welcome. They are also advised to arrive early and bring a clinic card, including immunisation cards for children.
Treatment is scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cleophas expressed his appreciation to Transnet for coming to the Swartland to provide a boost to local health services.
The train offers a wide variety of health services, for free or at a nominal fee.
Services offered
Health care
. Health-care education – free
HIV/Aids. TB: Screening and testing. Covid-19 vaccinations
Cancer and diabetes educare
. Diabetic screenings and cancer education free. Medicine – R5 per prescription
Eye clinic
. Eye tests – free. All glasses – R30. Eye drops – R5
(The eye-clinic services do not include cataract operations or bifocals)
Counselling/psychology
. Services are available to individuals, including workshops to help cope with stress, abuse, conflict, death, parenting discipline, empowerment and working through emotions – free
Dental clinic
. Screening and education – free. Fillings and cleaning are available (no false teeth). Each procedure – R10. All procedures for children 15 and younger are free.
