VEREENIGING – Scores of community members from in and around Vereeniging heeded the call to use the opportunity to get health services from the Transnet Phelophepa healthcare train.
Two state-of-the-art mobile healthcare trains have been moving across four districts in the province, and one of the trains is currently stationed at the Vereeniging train station.
The trains boast fully equipped clinics for eye care, dental care, general health, psychology, pharmaceutical services and an educational clinic.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Tuesday conducted a visit to assess the provision of healthcare services on the train. The MEC was joined by officials from Transnet, the Gauteng Department of Health, the Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor, and other officials.
The partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health and the Phelophepa Transnet Foundation was established in 2023 in efforts to deploy health trains across four regions of the province.
Nkomo-Ralehoko used the opportunity to engage with residents who expressed their delight at the train’s arrival in the region to assist them with services to better their health.
Nkomo-Ralehoko told residents that it is important that they get sufficient healthcare services. The MEC was met with positive answers when she asked patients who had already been treated and what they thought about the train.
A large group of elderly people from Sedibeng District were seen lining up to get various services. Papali Mathe (66), from Tshepiso, encouraged the public to visit the Transnet Phelophepa after she received her free eye test and prescription glasses.
During the visit, the Al Imdaad Foundation handed over blankets, walking sticks, and hygiene packs to the elderly and children accessing healthcare services.