Scavenger in landfill accident gets prosthetics

CEBU, Philippines - The scavenger who almost lost an arm and leg in an accident at the Material Recovery Facility in Inayawan last Wednesday successfully underwent an orthopedic implant last Friday where the damaged bones and joints in his arm and leg were replaced with prosthetic bones made of steel.

It was necessary because the bones in his lower right leg and foot and his left elbow were badly damaged by the shredder that switched on when he was trying to remove the husks that were stuck at the blades of the shredder.

The prosthetic bones, worth P19,000, was bought using the personal money of Mayor Michael Rama.

As to the medicines and hospital bills, the City is taking care of it through the City’s Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP).

Rona Lapiña, administrative assistant of Councilor Eduardo Rama, said that the operation was successful while the victim, 36-year old Joselito Nuñez, is now recuperating.

The operation was performed by doctors at the Cebu City Medical Center where he is confined.

Lapiña said the City Government will shoulder all of Nuñez’ medical expenses until he has fully recovered.

Some city councilors extended cash assistance to the victim’s family for their everyday expenses.

Nuñez is a father of four children. His eldest child is only seven years old while the youngest is two.

They only depend on their everyday income from scavenging at the Inayawan Landfill. When the landfill was closed, Nuñez was one of the 81 scavengers hired by the city government to man the MRF where the solid wastes collected daily are being processed.

Lapiña said that Nuñez might no longer be able to work at the landfill so city officials are now discussing how the city can be of help to the family in terms of livelihood. (FREEMAN)