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New Delhi: People with disabilities are hit harder by heatwaves compared to those without, according to new research that found increased hospitalizations from being exposed to extreme heat. Researchers from Pusan National University, South Korea, examined how exposure to heat impacted emergency admissions during the warm seasons in the country (June to September). They looked at people with four types of disabilities: physical, brain lesion disorders, vision, and hearing impairments.

The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, found that this section of society was at twice the risk of hospitalization compared to the general population, especially due to mental and respiratory diseases. The researchers found a fourfold increase in emergency admissions and seven times higher medical costs for people with disabilities. Further, among those with disabilities, people with brain lesion disorders and severe physical disabilities, along with women and those older than 65 years, were found to be more vulnerable to extreme heat.



The authors said the findings reveal disparities in admissions and medical expenses for individuals with disabilities and those without. The study highlights the need for informed public health policies to support and address the specific needs of this group, they said. “As far as we know, there are still a limited number of guidelines against climate change in the context of people with disabilities.

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