Phelophepa HealthCare Train impacted by Vhembe water shortages

LIMPOPO – Amid a critical need for accessible healthcare, the Phelophepa HealthCare Train arrived at the Louis Trichardt train station, providing essential free medical care from June 3-14. The train, however, faced a significant challenge: Vhembe’s ongoing water shortage.

Scores of residents from nearby communities visited the train, which offered medical consultations, screenings, treatments, and health education at no cost.

The Phelophepa HealthCare Train, operated by the Transnet Foundation, aims to improve healthcare access for underserved populations across South Africa, particularly in rural and remote areas with limited healthcare facilities.

During its recent visit, residents eagerly awaited the train’s arrival, seeking medical assistance and health education. Some arrived well before the train opened, with many even spending the night to secure a place in line for the much-needed services.

Nikiwe Majoko, who required an eye check and glasses, praised the train’s service despite the long queues.

“I am happy with their service, but accessing it isn’t easy due to their daily patient limit. Some of us who live far away had to sleep on chairs at the station, hoping to be seen first the next day. They treated us well, and we hope they can visit more frequently as not everyone can afford to see doctors,” he said.

The lack of water at the train station, however, hampered the delivery of services.

Clean water is crucial for the train’s medical operations, including hygiene practices and sanitation standards. Bheki Mdlula, the train manager, explained how the water shortage impacted the train’s functions.

“The challenges we faced stemmed from our stakeholder, the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), which couldn’t provide us with water. We hope this issue is resolved before our next visit, as this is a flagship programme. We urge all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure its success. Unfortunately, water challenges persisted,” Mdlula said.

To continue operations, the team had to rent tanks and source water independently. “Despite this, everything else ran smoothly,” Mdlula added.

The spokesperson for the Vhembe Municipality, Matodzi Ralushai said the municipality was unaware of any water shortages at the station.

“We did not receive a formal request for water from the Phelophepa HealthCare Train to supply them with water tanks.”