Transvaco continues with its vaccination drive
The train has been temporarily converted into a mobile vaccination site to assist with the vaccine roll-out.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura, joined by MECs Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi and Jacob Mamabolo and Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina, visited the Phelophepa Train in Springs on Thursday.
The train has been temporarily converted into a mobile vaccination site to assist with the vaccine roll-out.
These visits form part of the government’s efforts to expand the vaccination drive across the province.
The government continues to implement innovative solutions, such as drive-thru and mobile vaccination sites to boost the vaccination programme and ensure as many residents as possible receive the vaccine.
The vaccination site allows walk-ins whether people are registered on the Electronic Vaccinations Data System (EVDS) or not.
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The Transnet-Phelophepa trains are free, mobile healthcare clinics that travel to rural parts of South Africa, where there is just one doctor for every 5 000 patients.
Phelophepa (pronounced pay-lo-pe-pa) means good, clean health in Sesotho and is owned and operated by the Transnet Foundation, with Roche being Phelophepa’s main external sponsor since the first train journey in 1994.
In addition to the vaccination site, the train also offers eye and oral care, screening for HIV and Aids, psychological services and medication for minor ailments, among other services.
Makhura was pleased with what he saw.
Also read: Ekurhuleni vaccine sites officially open
“I am very proud of what I have seen today. We certainly want more people to come out and get their vaccine, especially the over 18s who are now allowed to get the jab.
“The City of Ekurhuleni has done very well in some areas but there are other areas where we are lagging.
“We want to thank Transnet for its services. Without them, none of this would be possible,” said Makhura.
Masina was similarly impressed.
“We encourage more residents to come and get their jabs. The staff have demonstrated how professional they are and things are going very smoothly here,” he said.
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