YOUNG and old waited patiently at the train station in Swartkops, Port Elizabeth, yesterday but none of them were going on a trip.
Their destination was one to better health aboard the "train of hope”. The Phelophepa 2 has been in Port Elizabeth since April 30 and will depart on Friday.
Providing services like dental care, basic health care, psychological advice along with an onboard pharmacy, the train has benefited people like Thenjiwe Zenani, 71, from Kwazakhele, who was there for a general check up.
"The Phelophepa train has been of exceptional help. All the treatments and medication is more affordable than regular clinics,” she said.
Nosandiso Ncumani, 42, of Motherwell, is pleased with the service she has received.
"The service has been great. The staff on the train have been good to us. Even the security has treated us with care,” she said.
The Nelson Mandela Bay health department has been given a helping hand over the past two weeks as the Phelophepa 2, also known as the "miracle train”, has been in town helping those people who do not have the necessary access to primary health care in and around the city.
The Phelophepa 2 is named after its predecessor, the Phelophepa, which is still operative and in the Free State fulfilling the same function in that province.
Lending a hand to make the initiative a success in the Bay are 40 students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University assisting the 20 permanent staff of the train in the various departments.
