Engen Petroleum has contributed to a permanent wellness clinic in the Cape Winelands.

Truck drivers passing through the Engen Winelands North 1-Stop at Joostebergvlakte along the N1 freeway outside Cape Town can now undergo free health screenings and counselling on site.

The initiative is aligned to Trucking Wellness, a National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) programme. It is one of eight clinics initiated by the NBCRFLI that Engen has invested in countrywide.

The centre provides HIV/AIDS awareness information and behaviour change communication and materials; Voluntary HIV counselling and testing; CD4 count; Enrolment onto the Wellness Fund HIV treatment programme; Enrolment onto the Wellness Fund chronic medication programme; Condom information, behaviour change communication and distribution; Screening, diagnosing, treatment and care of STIs; Broader health awareness information and behaviour change communication and materials; Health screening tests; Primary health care; Informs and refers for medical male circumcision; TB screening, diagnosis, treatment and care; and referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities for further investigations, treatment and care.

Truck drivers work long hours, frequently leading to imbalanced lifestyles and unhealthy choices. “Education helps to remind the drivers why their health is important and how life choices impact on their well-being. This ultimately increases their health, safety and productivity,” explains Engen’s group corporate social investment manager, Mntu Nduvane.

The clinic was moved from Epping Market five months ago. “We can definitely see an increase in the number of patients. The new environment is beneficial for industry employees as well as for Engen staff and pump attendants, who also have access to the clinic,” says project manager for Trucking Wellness, Tertius Wessels.

“It is remarkable to see the increase in the amount of individuals using the services we provide year-on-year. This is a clear indication that this intervention is making a difference to the wellbeing of road freight industry personnel,” he adds.

Tasneem Sulaiman-Bray, Engen General Manager: Corporate Affairs adds that good driver health has a massive impact on the lives of drivers and their families, in terms of reduced exposure to diseases and the longevity of breadwinners.

“But most importantly, the clinics make a real difference in society as we continue the fight to reduce the impact of treatable conditions within the trucking industry,” she says.

Engen Wellness Clinics are also available at truck stops in East London, Kokstad, Komatipoort, Musina, Harrismith, Beaufort West, Gone South (Port Elizabeth) and Winelands 1 Stop  North Bound.