George Herald

Hundreds at Phelophepa Train

- Myron Rabinowitz

Very early Monday morning, the staff of the Phelophepa Healthcare Train parked at the George railway station were greeted by clients who had arrived during the night to ensure that they were first in the queue for the health services offered by the train.

The train is fitted with numerous clinics including dentistry, optometry and general medical and psychologi­cal services, in which a host of ailments can be tested and treated.

Patrick Kgaphola, the train manager, said he is very happy with the ground work that was done in George and the surroundin­g areas. "Our outreach campaign to the communitie­s has been very effective. The Phelophepa staff also go out to old age homes and primary schools to render the services offered on the train."

The eye and dental clinics are the most popular with the public. Counsellin­g and psychology services to individual­s and workshops to help cope with stress, abuse, conflict, death, parenting and working through emotions are also available.

The Phelophepa Train of hope was establishe­d in 1994, operating as a mobile eye clinic.

The following year the need for wider primary health care was recognised and a more comprehens­ive array of health care services were added. Each of the clinics on the train has a dedicated carriage that has been specifical­ly designed to meet its needs.

Our outreach campaign to the communitie­s has been very effective.

 ?? Photo: Myron Rabinowitz ?? Mercia Draghoende­r (left), portfolio councillor for Community Developmen­t, and the Phelophepa train manager, Patrick Kgaphola, outside the psychology coach clinic. Kgaphola said the psychology unit on the train is underutili­sed.
Photo: Myron Rabinowitz Mercia Draghoende­r (left), portfolio councillor for Community Developmen­t, and the Phelophepa train manager, Patrick Kgaphola, outside the psychology coach clinic. Kgaphola said the psychology unit on the train is underutili­sed.

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