Health ministry inspects heat-wave protections for vulnerable residents

The health ministry said Tuesday that Second Vice Minister Lee Hyung-hoon inspected heat-wave protections at sites serving medically vulnerable residents in Seoul's Yongsan-gu. The visit was arranged as prolonged heat waves raised the risk of heat-related illness among vulnerable groups.

At Joseph Clinic, Lee heard from its director, medical staff and Yongsan-gu Health Center officials about support for people with limited access to medical care. The clinic offers free treatment to homeless people and residents of single-room housing. Lee also examined its treatment site and discussed support needed in the field and possible institutional improvements to protect medically vulnerable people during health risks such as heat waves.

Lee visited the home of an older person living alone who receives home-based health management. He reviewed the resident's health and living conditions and the response to prevent health problems during the heat wave. Under the program, nurses visit residents' homes to provide chronic-disease management, health counseling and guidance on managing health during heat waves.

"Heat waves can pose a greater health risk, particularly for older people living alone and homeless people. Medical institutions and public health centers that care for people's health in their communities play a very important role," Lee said.

Since June, the ministry has stepped up welfare checks and connections to support for vulnerable groups in line with a newly introduced severe heat-wave alert. "Based on what we directly observed and heard at the site today, we will further strengthen policies for responding to heat waves and protecting vulnerable groups," Lee said.