GEORGE NEWS - Since 04:00 on Monday morning 15 August the platform at the George Railway Station has been a hive of activity as people arrived to make sure they were first in line for the Phelophepa Health Care Train which offers free medical services.
Phelophepa Train Manager Anna Mokwena said the people waiting in line reached their target of 110 at the eye clinic, 66 dental patients and 130 at the health clinic by around 05:30 in the morning.
"I appeal to the people of George not to despair and to please come back on any other day of the week, as the Phelophepa Train will be here until Friday. We work on a first come, first serve basis and we don't want to overload the system on one day as we strive to render quality services. Communities have high expectations from us and sometimes we can't attend to all of them in a single day."
Mada Mathews from Parkdene was one of the first to be helped. "My daughter Caryn (6) has a skin rash on her cheek. We were helped early this morning. I am particularly thankful for the help from Conville clinic, who directed me here."
In association with the Phelophepa train, the George Service Clubs Rotary, Lions and Round Table, provide the patients with something to eat while they wait in line. George Lions President Bev Wright said the George Lions Club was on duty on Monday and they lived up to their motto 'we serve'. "In general the atmosphere seems relaxed and comfortable as the whole process appears to be well organised," Wright said.
Mokwena added that they had received excellent cooperation from all the stakeholders in George.
The train is fitted with numerous clinics including dentistry, optometry, general medical and psychology in which a host of ailments can be tested and treated.
- Free healthcare education
- Diabetic screenings and cancer education
- Pap smears and prostate and breast screenings are free and the medicine is R5 per prescription
- Eye clinic tests are free and spectacles are charged at R30 (this does not include operations or bifocals) and eye drops for R5
- Dental clinic - extractions, fillings and cleanings are charged at R5 per procedure.
The Phelophepa Train of hope was established in 1994 operating as a mobile eye clinic. The following year the need for wider primary healthcare was recognised and a more comprehensive optometry, dental and psychological care was added.
It is a long wait, so they formed their own train. From left are: Quan (11) and Keacha (10) Cook, Quade Pailman (4) and Jade le Roux (5).
Norman Nombande (left) has his blood pressure checked by volunteer Sister Gladys Pietersen, a retired sister from the Thembalethu Clinic.
ARTICLE: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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