Gauteng Health MEC visits Transnet Phelophepa in Dube
The visit aimed to evaluate the train's healthcare services and engage with residents on the importance of prioritising their health.
On August 8, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, alongside representatives from the Transnet and the Switzerland Embassy, visited the Transnet Phelophepa healthcare train stationed at the Dube Station.
The visit aimed to evaluate the train’s healthcare services and engage with residents on the importance of prioritising their health.
The partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health and the Phelophepa Transnet Foundation, established in 2023 aims to deploy health trains across four regions of the province.
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The Phelophepa healthcare train is a unique mobile medical facility that offers a range of essential services including general check-ups, dental care and screenings for chronic conditions.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to extend healthcare access to remote and underserved communities.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko explained that there is a train currently in Mamelodi which will move to Ekurhuleni and the one in Soweto will move from there to Sedibeng, ensuring wide coverage of all regions of the province.
During her visit, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the significance of accessible healthcare in improving community well-being.
“Our partnership with the Phelophepa Transnet Foundation reflects our commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to quality healthcare services,” she stated.
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“Engaging with the community directly allows us to understand their needs better and to stress the importance of regular health check-ups.”
Nicolas Müller from the Switzerland Embassy attended the event and he highlighted Switzerland’s strong commitment to global life sciences projects and announced ongoing collaboration with the South African Department of Health.
This partnership aims to leverage Swiss expertise to enhance healthcare delivery in South Africa.
“We have strong relationships with a lot of companies including this one being Transnet and the Department of Health.
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“We are the bridge in connecting dots and bringing together players of the life sciences and health in general,” said Müller.
Stakeholders involved in this initiative are actively working to attract more investors to the project.
Previously, the community was charged a fee but now the facility is accessible free of charge.
Services include on-the-spot optometrist visits with individuals needing spectacles receiving them on the day of their visit.
