Health train tracks its progress in Newcastle
Asked about anticipated numbers of patients who would visit the Phelophepa Train, Mendlula admitted the figures were not easy to quantify.
Day one of the Phelophepa Train’s stay in Newcastle was not an easy one.
A number of problems plagued the first day of the stopover at Newcastle Station, including delays in installation of services and the transport of medical teams from elsewhere in the country.
However, management was hopeful the situation would improve.
Phelophepa Train Manager Bheki Mendlula said: “We expect to be fully operational tomorrow [Tuesday].”
Mendlula said as it was the first day of the tour, one of the main tasks was to have all health equipment functioning optimally.
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He also hoped to meet the demands of the community.
“We hope all people have a chance to be attended to and to get access to health services. We will push ourselves to cater to the most people in this week as we can.”
Asked about anticipated numbers of patients who would visit the Phelophepa Train, Mendlula admitted the figures were not easy to quantify.
However he gave a rough estimate of more than 10 000 people.
“We will have an outreach drive, cancer campaigns and the turnout at these influences the final numbers. It is a very diversified programme.”
The turnout at the health train between January 21 and February 1 is also critical at determining the likelihood of the train returning in future.
Patient numbers tell management much about the need for healthcare.
“We also consider existing services and if they do cater for the community. Other factors we consider include unemployment and healthcare facilities.”
For more details on what the health train offers or for other enquiries, contact Fikile Ntshingila on 082 337 5382.
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