Health ministry inspects mental care facility ahead of heat wave

The health ministry said Monday it conducted an on-site inspection of a mental care facility in Cheonan to ensure preparedness for prolonged high temperatures. Lee Sun-young, the ministry's mental health policy director, visited Ma-eum Pyeonhan Jip to check air conditioning, ventilation and emergency response systems.

Lee held a meeting with staff to hear about difficulties faced during heat wave responses, urging workers to prioritize resident safety and ensure seamless care.

"Mental care facilities are important community infrastructures that support the stable daily lives and recovery of people with mental illnesses," Lee said. "The ministry will continue to provide field-centered support and management so that residents can live safely and healthily even during heat waves."

To maintain a comfortable and safe living environment, the government provides operational funding for heating and cooling costs alongside functional upgrades such as expansions, repairs and equipment reinforcement for aging infrastructure. In 2026, the ministry allocated 3.1 billion won to improve 28 facilities across the country.

The inspection follows safety measures taken in January, when officials reviewed heating and food service operations at facilities in 16 cities and provinces to prepare for winter weather extremes.