The Phelophepha health care train has once again arrived in Thembisa, bringing affordable and essential medical services to the community.

Known as a “hospital on wheels”, the train visits the township annually and provides a wide range of services including eye and dental care, cervical and breast cancer screenings, diabetes testing, counselling, and general health checks.

The train was scheduled to start operating on August 25, but delays have pushed its opening day to August 26. It will now run at the Oakmor Railway Station until August 29 and again from September 1 to 5.

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Community members began queuing outside the station early, some since the night before.

Speaker of Ekurhuleni, Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, assured residents that services would be delivered smoothly and safely despite the initial delay.

“We welcome the Phelophepha health train that provides primary health care for communities, and it will be here for the next two weeks,” she said.

“We are working with stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of services. We have proper security in place to maintain law and order, and our priority is to provide safe, well-managed access to health care.”

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Tshivhenga added that officials were considering ways to avoid overcrowding and ensure fair access for all residents waiting in queues.

Community members are encouraged to take advantage of the Phelophepha’s services, which are offered at a nominal fee of R30 per consultation.