Medihelp supports the ‘Train of Hope’: Bringing healthcare to South Africa’s remote communities

Train stations tend to be places of ruin in the remote corners of our country – remnants of a time gone by. The odd freight train is the only sign of life on these deserted sections of the railway network. But, sometimes the eerie isolation gives way to the arrival of a very special visitor.  

Despite the cool, early hours of dawn, there is a bustle of activity as Transnet’s Phelophepa Healthcare Train comes to a stop. Residents of rural areas brave the morning chill as they huddle under blankets, and snack on an early breakfast while holding their spots in a queue on the station’s platform to receive the medical care they need.

Phelophepa: A healthcare lifeline for rural South Africans

Phelophepa I and II have been a crucial lifeline for many South Africans who would otherwise not have access to essential healthcare services, often because medical clinics are far from their homes or treatments are too expensive.

Since 1994, these mobile clinics have offered free medical services in areas where there is often just one doctor for every 5 000 patients. With 19 coaches and a resident staff of 20 as well as 40 student volunteers, Phelophepa (meaning ‘good, clean health’ in Sesotho and Tshivenda) visits 70 communities annually and serves an average of 375 000 patients per year.

Medihelp is proud to be an external sponsor of this life-changing initiative for the first time in 2025. “Phelophepa inspires us with its service to South Africans across the country. We celebrate the creativity behind the initiative as it delivers medical care, raises awareness, and educates those who need it most in a unique and accessible way. This creativity is a value that Medihelp strives to embody and embrace,” says Lee Fourie, Manager of Medihelp’s CSI, Sponsorships and Promotions.

Comprehensive care for communities with limited access to healthcare

Initially, this expansive clinic started as an eye care facility consisting of three modest carriages, known as the ‘Eye Train’. However, in response to the dire demand for healthcare in local communities, its service offering was quickly expanded to include general healthcare services, dental and eye care, as well as treatments for diagnosed conditions.

In addition, it also offers individual and group counselling services to support mental health and well-being and treat issues such as depression and stress as well as prevailing social concerns, including poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and more.

Transnet, through Phelophepa, has invested greatly in health education by offering classes to local communities focussing on general healthcare, including nutrition, hygiene, and dental health. Residents of rural areas also benefit from the specialist services on the train, such as diabetes prevention, hypertension, and cancer screening.

Overcoming community challenges to make a difference 

Phelophepa’s focus on prevention and early detection of medical conditions has changed the lives of many South Africans. By providing screenings and education, the train raise awareness of the importance of prioritising health and empowers the people who tend to get left behind in our country’s remote areas to take better care of themselves. The opportunity to access healthcare services and information helps them make informed decisions about their well-being.

This knowledge often motivates them to attend medical examinations and seek treatment for ailments at earlier stages, improving health outcomes.

Aside from serving patients, the train’s clinic also offers rewarding training opportunities for student doctors and nurses, equipping them with valuable practical experience. It has also provided jobs to hundreds of retired healthcare professionals, enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Not without its own challenges

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Phelophepa played a crucial role by offering testing and screening. The train also provided vaccinations once they became available. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought about an increase in vandalism and looting of railway equipment as well as parts of the train itself.

With the country’s railway infrastructure already in a decades-long state of decline, and cables and even tracks being stolen, Phelophepa faces routine delays, disrupting its schedule and leaving patients without the care they so desperately need.

The mobile clinic also faces unique logistical challenges. These include ensuring it is stocked with medication, equipment, food, and other amenities at all times. It must also rotate groups of medical students who assist the resident staff and communicate with the relevant communities about its next stop.

A track of hope and healing

Despite the challenges, for most on board the Phelophepa it remains an honour to assist underserved South Africans in this manner, to view our country through a different lens, and to make a lasting impact on the lives they touch. The initiative has made its mark on our most vulnerable as over 5,8 million people have benefitted from its range of healthcare services. It is indeed the ‘Train of Hope’ as it was fondly referred to by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  

Medihelp's sponsorship of the Phelophepa Healthcare Train reflects the importance of partnerships in ensuring essential healthcare reaches even the most remote corners of the country. Through our support, we join a collective effort to keep a programme alive that has brought care and healing to millions, ensuring the Train of Hope continues to change lives where it is needed most.