“COVID Robbed Me of This Experience”: Phelophepa Train Has SA Wishing To Visit the Moving Hospital

• A young doctor shared a detailed vlog about her incredible experience working and living on the Phelophepa healthcare train, which serves the underserved communities
• The fascinating video, shared on TikTok, gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the moving hospital, from its daily operations to the doctors' living quarters
• Social media users responded with a mix of awe and nostalgia, with many expressing shock that the train was still running and sharing their fond memories of it

A powerful and inspiring video, shared by a young healthcare official, offered a rare look into a famous and long-standing healthcare initiative.

The Phelophepa healthcare train clip, shared by TikTok user @uyanu_b, was met with immense emotion and gratitude from social media users.

The video features @uyanu_b, who is vlogging her experience on the Phelophepa healthcare train. She starts by showing the train’s laundry room, which has washing machines and ironing boards, where she was ironing her scrubs. She explains that she and her colleagues live on the train for two weeks at a time, making it a moving home.

Read also

"Spending smarter is a wise choice": US woman explains why Pep is her favourite store, SA moved

The clip moved to show their buffet breakfast, which is a wide variety of cold and warm food that caters to everyone’s needs, which she says is too good. She also captures the amazing view they have while eating, before heading off to start their day.

A day in the Phelophepa train

After eating, they go to meet their supervisors and get acquainted with the job, seeing patients. The young doctor then explains that they got a short 15-minute lunch break before heading back to the waiting patients. When she is done for the day, she asks two of her colleagues how they feel. The two young doctors, who look exhausted, mention their backs are sore from all the work.

The doctor filming notes that as student doctors, they were used to only seeing three to four patients a day, but on the train, they each saw around 60 patients, which was an impressive accomplishment. She concludes her vlog, showing their tiny living space on the train, and a delicious dinner, which she says is good, like all the other food they were served.

Read also

Grade 12 learners surprised their pregnant teacher with a touching baby shower before her maternity leave

Mzansi reacts to seeing the Phelophepa train

The clip gained significant popularity online, with many social media users expressing their immense pride in the Phelophepha healthcare train and its dedicated doctors. Many were shocked that the train was still around, asking for its schedules and times in their provinces, as they were keen to have the experience.

Some shared their personal stories of visiting doctors on the train and said only positive things about their experience. These stories painted a picture of a healthcare system that had a profound and positive impact on the lives of many. Others, however, expressed worry that they might die without ever having had the experience, highlighting its importance.

User @Siko said:

"Covid robbed me of this experience."

User @ @&Deecay asked:

"Where in South Africa, sisi? Some of us are going to die without seeing this train 😩.

User @Thembisile Erica added:

"This was so helpful back in the days when we lived in the Free State."

Read also

“Not impressed”: South African woman’s chocolate pap recipe sparks debate, Mzansi reacts

User @Karabo shared:

"I was on the train last week, but in Limpopo. It was such an amazing experience, I'd do it 10 times over."

User @Sbongile Masina commented:

"The sad things I saw today in Mamelodi to access this train 😭😭😭 grannies and grandpas slept on the floor last night to get services today 😩. I got there at 3 am, but we got cut out because they've reached the number needed for the day 😭."

User @GNkomo🇿🇦 asked:

"How do I check the train schedule? I need a dentist and an optometrist."

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News articles about healthcare

• Nurses went viral on social media after they did a dance challenge with their patients in a TikTok video.
• People were touched by nurses who came together and delivered an impressive vocal performance at a hospital.
• Social media users share their reactions to seeing a beautiful healthcare worker who made some men want to fall sick deliberately.

Source: Briefly News