Engen to offer free health screenings to truck drivers

Source: Supplied

The campaign is being run in partnership with Trucking Wellness, an initiative of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI), which will provide health screening and wellness support at participating sites.

During last year's Transport Month campaign, more than 1,500 screenings were conducted at Engen Truck Stops and selected Engen 1-Stops across eight provinces.

Screenings start in October

Participating truck drivers will have access to health checks including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, malaria, TB, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS and body mass index (BMI) screenings.

Source: Supplied

Drivers will also receive a complimentary tog bag.

Engen's Marketing Manager for Commercial, Anashya Soobhar, said: “Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our highways,” says Anashya Soobhar, marketing manager for Engen Commercial. “Their long hours and demanding schedules make campaigns like this essential for their well-being and for road safety. With 90% of South Africa’s goods transported by road, Engen is proud to play a role in keeping both drivers and the economy moving.”

Health support on the road

Tertius Wessels, project manager for Trucking Wellness, said truck drivers face health challenges associated with spending long periods away from home.

“Truck drivers often spend long periods away from home and face unique health challenges. By bringing wellness services directly to where they work and rest, we can ensure early detection, promote healthier lifestyles, and help keep South Africa’s roads safer,” says Wessels.

Beyond the Transport Month campaign, drivers can access professional medical care at six permanent Trucking Wellness clinics at key Engen sites:

• Beaufort West Truck Stop, Western Cape
• Winelands 1 Stop North, Western Cape
• Musina Gateway Truck Stop, Limpopo
• PE Gone South Truck Stop, Eastern Cape
• Harrismith Highway Junction Truck Stop, KwaZulu-Natal
• Kokstad Truck Stop, KwaZulu-Natal

Olwethu Mdabula, Engen's CSI manager, said: “Engen’s relationship with the transport sector spans multiple decades. We recognise its crucial role in driving South Africa’s economy and are proud to continue supporting the men and women who keep our country supplied and connected.”

Mobile clinic schedule

Truck drivers can access the free screenings at the following participating sites:

Engen said truck drivers can visit participating sites during October and into November to access the free screenings.