Phelophepa is a Transnet project that offers primary healthcare services to communities across the country.
The project which started in 1994 as an eye clinic expanded to a full train which travels around the province offering health care services ranging from eye care services, mental care and general health check-ups.
There is even a pharmacy on board.
The train travels to communities to support those who cannot reach or afford additional health care services.
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The goal is to provide services to communities while complementing services done by the Department of Health through its various community outreach projects.
The Phelophepa train stopped on the lines at Oakmoor Train Station on August 12.
Services on the train will be available to the community for two weeks.
The train has already played a significant role in the lives of many, taking over 100 patients a day.
Train manager Bheki Mendlula said the Phelophepa project caters for communities across the province.
“We are a company that has many projects under Transnet. We have two trains working for numerous communities of the province, providing health care services.
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“We give first preference to rural areas,” he said.
Mendlula added the train could attend to hundreds of patients each day.
“We want to help as many people as possible get the help they need.
“We have a team of healthcare practitioners working to fulfil our mandate of offering services to the community.”
“Through this flagship project, we do not serve the community only. We also offer training services for university students who require training before being declared practitioners.
“We have groomed many students, giving them the clinical experience required to take over the work.
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“We also provide dignity packs to communities and schools, ensuring we take care of those we visit. Everything we do as a team is well-planned as we deal with the lives of many people who trust us.”
The Pheloephepa train features 27 qualified health practitioners and students working tirelessly to provide health care services to those in need. Community members who have health-related issues can take this opportunity to receive the health care services offered by Transnet before the train departs on August 29.
