Theft derails health-care train as hundreds sleep over at station

HUNDREDS of residents slept over at the Kimberley train station this week in order to access health services provided by the Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare Train.

Residents camped at the station on Sunday night in anticipation of the train, which was scheduled to arrive on September 8, but were informed on Monday morning that it had been delayed.

They returned again on Tuesday — including elderly patients — bringing along blankets, cooler boxes and pillows to spend another night on the cement floor in an effort to avoid long queues.

Many said they preferred the Phelophepa train to conventional health clinics, as it offered a wider range of services.

Phelophepa Healthcare Train manager Dr Thabiso Manamela explained that while the train had been on schedule, delays were caused by theft and vandalism of the railway network.

He discouraged members of the public from sleeping over at the train station.

“We arrived in Kimberley on September 10 and will remain until September 26. We provide services to about 300 people per day and over 1,500 per week. We are willing to assist anyone and are trying to bridge health care gaps. Patients will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis, weekdays from Mondays to Fridays, between 7.30am and 6pm,” he said.

Manamela stated that the initiative was a partnership between Transnet and the Department of Health.

“We have 25 medical practitioners and staff on board, and also make use of final-year medical students and assistants.”

He added that services available to the public include dentistry, optometry, medical consultations, psychology, and pharmacy support.

“Everyone under the age of 16 will receive services free of charge. Those over 16 will be required to pay R30 for a pair of spectacles, R10 for dentistry, and R5 for medication. Anyone wishing to make use of the services should either bring an identity document, driving licence or passport,” Manamela added.