Phelophepa train get thousands of Lowvelders’ health back on track
Thousands of people flocked in from various areas in and around Mbombela, seeking assistance.
The Transnet-Phelophepa healthcare train has left a trail of hope for thousands of patients in the City of Mbombela.
The train manager, Bheki Mendlula, said about 2 997 patients were assisted on the train. This “train of hope” was stationed at the Nelspruit Railway Station in Andrew Street for two weeks and provided healthcare services for free. From Mbombela, the train will visit Carolina, Ermelo and Bethal.
“We dispensed 1 746 spectacles, 372 patients were screened for cancer, 310 people were vaccinated, 34 people received individual counselling and 1 020 people attended a psychology workshop.”
Mendlula observed the patients that visited the train and said it appears that many were in need of healthcare services.
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“We saw people who desperately needed the services we provided, especially in the eye clinic. We are happy that most people went for the cancer screening program. We noticed the increased number of patients who came for mental health issues and were assisted by our psychologists. We are indeed breaking the stigma around mental health. People should not neglect their mental health issues.”
He added that too few people took the vaccine. “This means we have to educate our people to make informed decisions.”
During an interview with Lowvelder, one of the young people assisting on the ground said the train did not only help the ill, but also assisted with providing skills to locals. “I am currently unemployed, though the train has offered me this opportunity for two weeks to have something to wake up to. We capture information and also assist patients in the queues, and we show them where to go. I will add this to my experience on my CV,” she said.
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