As poorer countries bear the brunt of the climate crisis, the ongoing heatwave is a stark reminder of the disconnected social care and welfare systems facing the country’s marginalised. (snapshot image of JTBC)
SEOUL, Aug. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – The death of a lone welfare recipient from heatstroke after being turned away from 14 hospitals has sparked outrage in South Korea, exposing deep-rooted issues in the nation’s healthcare and social welfare systems.
The incident, which occurred on July 30 in Seoul’s Ssangmun-dong district but only recently came to light, has ignited a fierce debate about the country’s ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens during extreme weather events.
According to JTBC, a local broadcaster, closed-circuit television footage showed the victim, a man in his 40s identified only as “A,” collapsing in a convenience store while reaching for an electrolyte drink. Emergency responders arrived at 11:03 a.m., recording his body temperature at 40 degrees Celsius.
Despite the man’s critical condition, ambulance crews spent 1 hour and 34 minutes trying to find a hospital willing to admit him. He was finally accepted at the National Medical Center at 12:37 p.m., where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The tragedy has highlighted several concurrent crises in South Korean society. It comes amid an ongoing doctors’ strike over proposed medical school enrollment increases, raising questions about the healthcare system’s capacity during emergencies.
Moreover, the incident has drawn attention to the plight of South Korea’s marginalized populations. The victim was a basic livelihood security recipient, a designation for those living below the poverty line and particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
As poorer countries bear the brunt of the climate crisis, the ongoing heatwave is a stark reminder of the disconnected social care and welfare systems facing the country’s marginalised. (Yonhap)
Critics argue that the case reveals a troubling misallocation of resources. They point to recent news that the Incheon Seo-gu Office is considering using tax money to compensate residents affected by a fire involving a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle, questioning whether public funds are being properly directed towards those most in need.
As of August 7, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency had reported 2,004 cases of heat-related illnesses this year, with 19 fatalities.
Heat-related illnesses, which can be life-threatening if left untreated, are characterized by symptoms including headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
