The Phelophepha train is here
"We are open until we see the last patient," is the motto at the Phelophepa II train that is in its last week of its two week visit to Mbombela
MBOMBELA – The famed Phelophepa train rolled into the city this week and will remain for two weeks to offer residents convenient medical treatment at affordable prices.
Some people delay seeking medical treatment as they cannot afford it.
The Phelophepa train tries to relieve the fear and increase their comfort levels by offering basic medical services.
The services are sponsored by Transnet allowing visitors to pay a small fee, ranging from R5 to R30.
“What is R30 compared to what you would pay elsewhere for glasses, it’s fair,” said Anna Mokoena, train manager for the
Phelophepa II train that arrived in Mbombela on Monday.
“We run for two weeks at each stop,” she explained. This gives community members enough time to visit the train and be seen by the professionals on board.
Mokoena explained that notice of the trains’ arrival at the various stops gets announced three months in advance. This gives community members an opportunity to get to know more about the Phelophepa and its services.
Inside the train are psychiatric and health clinics, as well as dental and eye clinics. The services work on a first-come first-serve basis, there is no need to make an appointment.
“We open and go on until we see the last patient,” said Bheki Mendlula, an optometrist at the eye clinic.
Prior to opening every morning, the team decides on the number they are willing to see on the day. Until that last person in the number has been seen, it is then they can close up until the next day.
“Once you are given a sticker, you are guaranteed to be seen,” said Mendlula.
