Chile miners discharged
Sunday, 17 October 2010
A further 28 rescued miners have been discharged from hospital in Chile in secret, a health official has said, reports BBC.
Paola Neumann, head of regional health, said their release was not publicised in order to protect them and their families.
Just two of the 33 men who were freed in an operation that was viewed around the world remained in hospital, she told reporters.
Dr Neumann said one was suffering from a dental infection and the other had vertigo.
She described vertigo as like a dizziness that made it difficult for the patient to maintain balance and walk properly.
The first three of the miners were allowed home late on Thursday, and Dr Neumann said a decision had been taken to discharge the others on Friday without telling the media.
The 33 miners spent 69 days trapped deep underground after a cave-in at the San Jose mine, near Copiapo in northern Chile's Atacama region.
For 17 days no one knew if they still lived, until a probe lowered through a narrow bore hole made contact with them.
There have been scenes of jubilation in Copiapo as the miners released from hospital have returned home to be greeted by relatives, friends and neighbours.
Chilean miner Ariel Ticona (wearing cap), his wife Elizabeth Segovia and their baby girl Esperanza, who was born while Ticona was trapped in the San Jose mine - 15 October 2010 Ariel Ticona's baby girl Esperanza was born while he was trapped in the mine
Ariel Ticona and his wife Elizabeth Segovia hugged their baby girl Esperanza, born while Mr Ticona was trapped underground.
None has yet given a detailed account of their time trapped in the mine. Some of those who have spoken say that all 33 have agreed not to speak about their experiences underground.
Despite the pact, Juan Illanes described the first 17 days of the ordeal as a nightmare, before they were discovered by rescue workers.
Paola Neumann, head of regional health, said their release was not publicised in order to protect them and their families.
Just two of the 33 men who were freed in an operation that was viewed around the world remained in hospital, she told reporters.
Dr Neumann said one was suffering from a dental infection and the other had vertigo.
She described vertigo as like a dizziness that made it difficult for the patient to maintain balance and walk properly.
The first three of the miners were allowed home late on Thursday, and Dr Neumann said a decision had been taken to discharge the others on Friday without telling the media.
The 33 miners spent 69 days trapped deep underground after a cave-in at the San Jose mine, near Copiapo in northern Chile's Atacama region.
For 17 days no one knew if they still lived, until a probe lowered through a narrow bore hole made contact with them.
There have been scenes of jubilation in Copiapo as the miners released from hospital have returned home to be greeted by relatives, friends and neighbours.
Chilean miner Ariel Ticona (wearing cap), his wife Elizabeth Segovia and their baby girl Esperanza, who was born while Ticona was trapped in the San Jose mine - 15 October 2010 Ariel Ticona's baby girl Esperanza was born while he was trapped in the mine
Ariel Ticona and his wife Elizabeth Segovia hugged their baby girl Esperanza, born while Mr Ticona was trapped underground.
None has yet given a detailed account of their time trapped in the mine. Some of those who have spoken say that all 33 have agreed not to speak about their experiences underground.
Despite the pact, Juan Illanes described the first 17 days of the ordeal as a nightmare, before they were discovered by rescue workers.