Video: Health train brings hope to hundreds in Mbombela

MBOMBELA – The internationally known Transnet Phelophepa, also known as the Train of Hope has arrived in town. It will render health services to hundreds of locals in desperate need of medical attention the following week.

This health-care train was established in 1994 and initially operated with only three eye-clinic coaches. By 1995 recognising the need for a wider primary health-care base, it expanded its services to include more comprehensive optometry, dental and even psychological care.

Today it has an impressive 18-car train with five on-board clinics including the health, dental, eye and psychologist clinics as well as Roché Pharmacy.

Each of these has dedicated train carriages that have been specifically designed to meet the needs of each clinic. Each one has an outreach programme that visits surrounding areas and schools to reach those who may not be able to make it to the train.

Services are being rendered from 08:00.

The health clinic:

It focuses on health education, the treatment of minor diseases, diabetes and cancer screening. It also provides education on preventable conditions and early detection to reduce unnecessary suffering.

The health clinic aims to register 18 000 patients each year and refers patients for further treatment to clinics when necessary.

• A total of 91 587 people have been reached by this clinic through its various programmes.

Pharmacy:

It dispenses up to 20 000 prescriptions annually. Two pharmacists and their pharmacy students educate the people on the importance of taking medication correctly and provide other supplementary information.

• More than three million prescriptions have been filled by this clinic.

Dental clinic:

It is equipped with five dental chairs and state-of-the-art equipment. The clinic provides an ideal platform to treat each patient thoroughly and deliver preventative, holistic dental advice. The treatment services include oral health, hygiene education, restorative procedures and extractions to the 10 000 patients treated each year.

• Between 1994 and 2012, 348 000 children were screened.

Eye clinic:

It was the original focus of the train and consists of prescreening areas and refraction rooms that are fully equipped with phoroptors, eye-test projection charts and bio-microscopes. This clinic offers same-day services to its patients, providing prescription spectacles within a few hours. Good vision lays the foundation for effective schooling and a healthy nation. Approximately 20 000 patients register each year and receive the miracle of good sight.

• More than 500 000 eyeglasses have been made and distributed by this clinic.

Psychology clinic:

It offers solution-focused individual counselling as well as psycho-educational workshops. The programme provides individuals with a supportive and confidential environment with trained counsellors on hand to resolve traumatic experiences.

• More than 400 000 people have received counselling through the efforts of this clinic.

Interesting facts

• Weight of train: 600 tons

• Fuel consumption: 30 888 gallons of fuel are used each year

• 375 694 miles have been travelled

• It is almost 400 metres long

• 452 657 patients have been treated in the various clinics on-board

• 7 000 students have done voluntary work on the train

• 595 961 children have been screened and educated

• 14,5 million individuals have been reached through the school screening; health education and counselling workshops and outreach programmes

• 45 000 patients in the most remote and rural areas in the country, register at the train for treatment in the various clinics (annually)

• 60 000 meals are prepared on-board the train for staff and students.