As part of the city’s continuing efforts to create an inclusive society for all, the Quezon City government has partnered with Physicians for Peace Philippines and the University of the East- Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center to give free prosthetic (below knee) and orthotic (above knee) services to amputated QCitizens.
A total of 37 beneficiaries were given prostheses, while 13 have already received and fitted orthoses through the program.
Last month, in celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation week, the PPP and QC government launched a mobile facility that creates artificial legs for amputated beneficiaries. UERM on the otherhand, is offering the same services at their facility.
“By giving them artificial limbs for free, we hope that our amputated residents can improve their mobility, as well as their ability to manage their daily activities,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
“Hindi kailanman magiging hadlang ang pandemya para mabigyan natin ng nararapat na serbisyo ang persons with disability sa lungsod. Gusto nating tugunan ang pangangailangan nilang ito para makabalik na sila sa kanilang hanapbuhay at mapadali ang mga aktibidad nila,” the mayor added.
According to Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head Renato Cada, the city’s target is to give artificial limbs to over 400 registered amputees in the city.
“Hindi ito basta-basta pagbibigay lamang ng prostheses at orthoses, kundi ina-assess at inaalam natin kung ano-ano yung ginagawa nila araw-araw. Sa tulong ng mga PWD focal persons natin sa mga barangay, natutukoy natin kung sinu-sino ang mga may kailangan ng ganitong klaseng serbisyo,” Cada said.
After assessing and screening the targeted recipients, they are transported by the city to the facility for casting and molding the artificial limbs. After 3 days, they will be assisted back to the workshop for fitting and making sure that they are comfortable with the prostheses or orthoses.
They are also taught how to properly use and maintain the artificial limb.
Recently, the city has also distributed wheelchairs to indigent residents of the city with mobility concerns.
Aside from these the city has also been providing livelihood assistance to PWDs. PDAO is also assisting interested PWDs find job opportunities based on their abilities.
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