“Your health is your wealth.” So says Ray van Rooy, Executive Mayor of Bergrivier, who emphasised the importance of taking care of one’s health above all else, for it is the catalyst for leading a remarkable and successful life.
The Phelophepa Healthcare Train is a corporate social investment drive from Transnet, bringing affordable health-care services to communities. It is fitted with 19 specialised carriages, which include a dental clinic, eye clinic, pharmacy and more. The train was based at the train station in Piketberg between Monday 11 and Friday 22 September, and its doors were open to all residents of the Bergrivier municipal area and its surrounds.
This year the Phelophepa’s trained medical staff assisted a record 4 096 people. According to van Rooy the municipality, in partnership with Phelophepa Train officials, saw more than 1 000 more patients than anticipated. “As the cost of living increases the need to access affordable health care becomes more evident,” Van Rooy pointed out. “To receive new spectacles for the first time, to get much-needed fillings for your teeth and have an opportunity for a free diabetic, cancer and HIV/Aids screening and testing can really be a life-changing moment for people.”
Transnet employed 57 temporary local workers to assist in various roles during the two-week period in Piketberg. Van Rooy mentioned that there are so many positive spin-offs from an initiative like this and he hopes that the Phelophepa Train comes again in the near future.
Some of the statistics over the two-week period are as follows:
. Spectacles issued: 1 762
. Tooth Extractions: 919
. Tooth Restorations/fillings: 44
. Pap Smears: 47
From the Phelophepa Healthcare Train’s arrival in Piketberg until the last day the pharmacy dispensed medical supplies to patients to the value of R75 947,32.
The Bergrivier Municipality is proud of the good positive partnerships that once again shone throughout this initiative, in which various donors, individuals and local organisations came together to ensure a successful health-care drive.
“We thank everyone who made a contribution during the Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare Drive,” the Mayor said. “It’s at moments like these that I know we are on track with our vision to create a prosperous community, where all want to live, work, learn and play in a dignified manner.”
