Healthcare train arrives in Stanger
The train offers a huge array of free heath services.
The Transnet Phelophepa II Health Care Train has pulled into Stanger station and will offer a number of basic healthcare service from 5 – 9 February and 12 – 16 February.
Phelophepa is a flagship project for South Africa and made history when it became the first sustainable South African initiative to receive the prestigious UN Public Service Award for its excellence in public service delivery.
The Transnet Foundation’s two healthcare trains, Phelophepa I and II, are designed to provide basic medical help and education.
The introduction of Phelophepa II will more than double the number of people who benefit from the facility, taking the total to an estimated 270, 000 individuals annually.
According to Avasha Gopaulsingh, who heads up the marketing division for Phelophepa, last weeks visit to Pietermaritzburg saw more than 4000 residents receiving healthcare services.
“Our clinics are open to everyone and anyone, however we do try our best to give preference to the poorest of the poor,” said Gopaulsingh.
“Services start from 7am and end when the last patient has been seen to. In some cases we have finished at 2am the following morning.”
“Many patients sleep outside the station to make sure they receive a ticket. As long as a patient has received a ticket, they will be seen to that day.”
Each train has a permanent staff of 22 healthcare professionals, including nurses, healthcare educators, opticians and dentists. The trains also carry managers, translators and security staff.
Available healthcare services
Healthcare
- Health education – free
Cancer and diabetes educare
- Diabetic screenings and cancer education – free
- Pap smears – free
- Prostate and breast screenings – free
- Medicine – R5 per priscription
Eye clinic (Eye clinic services do not include operations or bifocals)
- Eye tests – free
- All glasses – R30
- Eye drops – R5
Dental clinic
- Screening and education – free
- Extractions, fillings and cleanings are available (no false teeth)
- Each procedure – R10
- All procedures for children 15 and younger – free
Counselling / pshychology
- Services are available to individuals and include workshops to help cope with stress, abuse, conflict, death, parenting, discipline, empowerment and working through emotions – free
Residents are encouraged to arrive early and to bring along their clinic cards, including immunisation cards for children.
Treatment is scheduled on a first-come first-served basis.
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
