Cape Town - Transnet has launched its second health train,
the Phelophepa II, costing R82m.
The first Phelophepa train has served more than 6 million in
rural communities over the past 18 years.
The trains, crewed by medical specialists including a number
of final year students, provide primary healthcare, dental, psychological and
optical services.
Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba launched the
Phelophepa II this morning in East London at the Mount Ruth Station.
Transnet’s rail engineering division, TRE, was responsible
for the development of the new train with the Swiss-based pharmaceutical group
F Hoffman La Roche a major sponsor of both trains.
The trains operate from January to September every year and
cover vast areas of South Africa where primary healthcare facilities are under
pressure.