this post was submitted on 12 Sep 2024
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A passenger train known as Phelophepa — or “good, clean, health” in the Sesotho language — had been transformed into a mobile health facility. It circulates throughout South Africa for much of the year, providing medical attention to the sick, young and old who often struggle to receive the care they need at crowded local clinics.

For the past 30 years — ever since South Africa’s break with the former racist system of apartheid — the train has carried doctors, nurses and optometrists on an annual journey that touches even the most rural villages, delivering primary healthcare to about 375,000 people a year.

The free care it delivers is in contrast to South Africa’s overstretched public health care system on which about 84% of people rely.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago

As a South African, I was unaware of this marvelous train. I really hope change happens so that such a train is not necessary in the future.

But for now and the foreseeable future may this amazing initiative have a wonderful future

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I distinctly remember reading about Russian hospital trains that acted a similar way. They didn't have the resources to stick a permanent hospital staffed 365 days a year in every little village. But a train was large enough to haul a lot of facilities from place-to-place and take care of stuff that wasn't super-urgent.

https://www.newsweek.com/2017/05/19/russia-trains-medical-care-607346.html

https://rollingstockworld.com/passenger-cars/rzd-and-russian-health-ministry-present-hospital-train/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_train

Ukraine apparently is operating hospital trains, but that's due to the war, and I dunno if that's gonna continue on during peacetime:

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/12/europe/ukraine-hospital-train-wounded-soldiers-intl/index.html

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Why is the thumbnail someone in steampunk utility glasses

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

It’s a loose lens frame used to check someone for a glasses prescription.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

Ah that makes sense, thats pretty cool. Thank you.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I don't have a thumb nail pic showing, so no idea.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 3 months ago

Associated Press - News Source Context (Click to view Full Report)Information for Associated Press:

MBFC: Left-Center - Credibility: High - Factual Reporting: High - United States of America
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