For less than R100 you can walk out of the Transnet Phelophepha health train with a new pair of spectacles, sparkling teeth and prescription medication for your ailments.
The health clinic-on-wheels has pulled up in East London – as it does on an annual basis – with people from surrounding communities coming from far and wide to access its comprehensive medical services, that are friendly on the pocket too.
Yesterday was the train’s first day at the Mount Ruth station in Mdantsane.
But crowds had gathered long before its doors had opened, hoping to be first in line.
Nomzamo Sanda excitedly held her new pair of prescription glasses as she left the train.
Sanda said she had spent the night sleeping on the train station’s benches because she wanted to have enough time to access all of the services.
“I can’t contain my excitement. I feel like jumping with joy, I’ll finally be able to see and read for myself. Where would you ever get that for only R30?”
Sanda travelled from Ngcobo because she had missed the train’s first stop in Dutywa, where it was stationed for the previous two weeks.
“I followed it all the way here because I didn’t want to miss this year’s visit. I’ll be spending another night here because I want more health services.”
A short distance from Sanda, a new queue had formed with people already lining up in a bid to be first in line today.
Bheki Mendlula, the train manager, said they’d become accustomed to the influx of people their 10-day stopover had already attracted. Mendlula said their Dutywa stay had attracted over 4000 patients, way above their 3000-patient target.
“We unpack and make this train our home for weeks on end. There’s immense satisfaction in making such a big impact and improving people’s lives.”
The Daily Dispatch was given a tour of the comprehensive health mobile facility.
The train offers psychological, health, eye, and dental services as well as a pharmacy-on-board.
Mendlula said the healthcare staff often exceeded their daily targets as they wanted to attend to as many patients each day.
“People sleep here in order to be first in line. We can’t turn anyone away because we know that for most people, this is the closest they get to good services.
“We understand the dynamics of our country. There are many gaps which still exist and hinder many people from having their primary healthcare needs met.
“Through the train’s services, we hope to bridge that gap.”
The train station has been transformed into a mini-town for the duration of the train’s stay, with a mobile soup kitchen also feeding locals.” — nonsindisoq@dispatch.co.za
Phelophepa health train steams into Mdantsane
The health clinic-on-wheels has pulled up in East London – as it does on an annual basis – with people from surrounding communities coming from far and wide to access its comprehensive medical services, that are friendly on the pocket too.
Yesterday was the train’s first day at the Mount Ruth station in Mdantsane.
But crowds had gathered long before its doors had opened, hoping to be first in line.
Nomzamo Sanda excitedly held her new pair of prescription glasses as she left the train.
Sanda said she had spent the night sleeping on the train station’s benches because she wanted to have enough time to access all of the services.
“I can’t contain my excitement. I feel like jumping with joy, I’ll finally be able to see and read for myself. Where would you ever get that for only R30?”
Sanda travelled from Ngcobo because she had missed the train’s first stop in Dutywa, where it was stationed for the previous two weeks.
“I followed it all the way here because I didn’t want to miss this year’s visit. I’ll be spending another night here because I want more health services.”
A short distance from Sanda, a new queue had formed with people already lining up in a bid to be first in line today.
Bheki Mendlula, the train manager, said they’d become accustomed to the influx of people their 10-day stopover had already attracted. Mendlula said their Dutywa stay had attracted over 4000 patients, way above their 3000-patient target.
“We unpack and make this train our home for weeks on end. There’s immense satisfaction in making such a big impact and improving people’s lives.”
The Daily Dispatch was given a tour of the comprehensive health mobile facility.
The train offers psychological, health, eye, and dental services as well as a pharmacy-on-board.
Mendlula said the healthcare staff often exceeded their daily targets as they wanted to attend to as many patients each day.
“People sleep here in order to be first in line. We can’t turn anyone away because we know that for most people, this is the closest they get to good services.
“We understand the dynamics of our country. There are many gaps which still exist and hinder many people from having their primary healthcare needs met.
“Through the train’s services, we hope to bridge that gap.”
The train station has been transformed into a mini-town for the duration of the train’s stay, with a mobile soup kitchen also feeding locals.” — nonsindisoq@dispatch.co.za
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