Phelophepa Train Delivers Health Care Services to Springs Residents
For the first time in over 20 years of its existence, the Phelophepa train finally arrived in Gauteng, parking at the City of Ekurhuleni’s Springs train station.
On Wednesday, 2 September, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development Cllr Nomadlozi Nkosi together with Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phahla, and Transnet officials, launched the Transnet Phelophepa train in Springs.
Community members from Springs, Kwa-Thema and the surrounding areas braved the cold weather to join the queue in anticipation of receiving health care assistance.
The 19-coach train is a fully-fledged primary health care facility fitted with state of the art equipment. It includes eye and dental clinics, pharmacy, consultation rooms, psychologist rooms and accommodation rooms for the health care officials working on the train.
Zanele Mtimba (28) from Slovo Park heard about the Transnet Phelophepa train from the loud hailing that was done at the Springs CBD on Tuesday. She then decided to come through for dental care.
“I have been struggling with a toothache for too long now. I have been self-medicating to numb the pain but today decided to visit the Transnet Phelophepa train and have the tooth removed. I’m glad I did, it was quick and it didn’t hurt that much,” said Mtimba.
The train arrived at Springs station on Monday, 31 August, and it will depart on Friday, 11 September. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 until 16h00. The Transnet Phelophepa train operates even on holidays.
Patients using the train will be required to pay minimum fees for their consultation, such as:
- R30 for eye care (including spectacles)
- R10 for dental care
- R5 for any other prescribed medicine.
Children younger than 15 years of age do not pay. All patients must bring along their clinic or vaccination card.
MMC Nkosi encouraged members of the community to take advantage of the health care services offered at the Transnet Phelophepa train.
