NELSON Mandela Bay Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga, has urged residents to make use of the Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare train to get tested for COVID-19.
The Phelophepa train is a state-of-the-art medical train that offers quality and affordable primary health care services to urban and rural communities in South Africa.
The “train of hope” recently commenced its healthcare services for the year, with the metro being its first stop.
The train has been stationed at the Swartkops Train Station from February 1, 2021 and will depart on Friday, February 12.
During his visit to the train, accompanied by MMC for public health, Lance Grootboom, Bhanga heaped praise upon healthcare workers on the train, describing them as heroes and heroines who have served communities with dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also thanked the frontline workers for their bravery and being at the forefront of not only the fight against COVID-19, but also the delivery of other primary health services.
“This arrival of this train in the metro is a gift for us as it signifies Transnet’s arrival in our town as their headquarters will be moving to Port Elizabeth soon.
“It’s a reflection of their commitment to come and serve our people.
“This train is highly equipped with diverse services from counselling to dental and cancer units. It’s a one stop shop,” Bhanga said.
“We appreciate this service and thank the health workers who are on the frontline and decided to come here under difficult conditions of COVID-19 with a willingness to serve,” he added.
“As the friendly people of this metro, we are honoured to be served by these heroes of our nation that sacrifice their lives in the service of our people. We welcome and will work with them and make sure that we give them the support they need,” he emphasised.
He also encouraged residents to take full advantage of the services and urged them to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols and regulations when they do so.
“It makes us happy to see that Transnet has teamed up with the Department of Health to boost the services rendered here as we are faced with a global pandemic.
“We encourage residents to come here to get tested for COVID-19 too as the health department is here to assist in that regard.”
Train manager, Bheki Mendlula, said that they were working under different conditions this year and as a result, have reduced the number of people that they can see in each unit to approximately 50.
“Some of our dental services have been affected as COVID-19 spreads through saliva but some services are still rendered,” Mendlula said.
“We wish to thank the municipality for their continued support and services, including waste management and infrastructure services.
“They always make our stay here as comfortable as they possibly can. We have included ‘care packs’ for our patients this year where we give them masks and hand sanitisers for free to fight the spread of COVID-19.”
During the visit, Grootboom also thanked Transnet. “We are grateful for this wonderful initiative in providing quality healthcare to our underprivileged communities,” he said.
The train provides the following health care services to the community:
Health car
e
Health education – free
Health screening – free
Medicine – R5 per person
Eye Clinic
Eye screening – free
Eye drops – R5
Counselling/Psychology
These services are available to individuals free of charge and include workshops to help cope with stress, abuse, conflict, death, parenting, discipline, empowerment and working through emotions.
Dental clinic
Screening and education – free
Extractions – R10
All procedures for children under 15 – free
