A shortage of medications has emerged as a significant issue in North Korea. Recent reports suggest that even military units, which typically enjoy a more reliable supply chain, are now grappling with medication scarcity.
The shortage is causing considerable hardship for soldiers and their families, struggling to access necessary treatments.
A source from South Pyongan Province informed SPN about a tragic incident involving a family member of a soldier stationed in Pyongwon County last week. The individual who was diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy passed away after a three-month hospitalization in a public hospital. The death occurred due to the unavailability of treatment drugs at the military hospital.
Families of military personnel typically have access to military hospitals in North Korea.
The source expressed deep concern, “It is disheartening to see even military units facing medication shortages when civilians often succumb to illnesses despite having the financial means to purchase drugs.”
While North Korea touts a free healthcare system, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Hospitalized patients are often compelled to procure essential medications from local marketplaces, primarily sourcing Chinese imports to facilitate treatment.
North Korea has recently established standard pharmacies across the country. These pharmacies predominantly stock and sell traditional Korean medicine, also known as herbal remedies.
A glimpse into the current medication prices in North Korean marketplaces reveals a stark economic reality. Pain relievers cost approximately 100 KPW (0.11 USD) per pill, while antibiotics (such as Mycins) cost between 1,200 and 1,500 KPW (1.33 and 1.66 USD). To put this in perspective, a kilogram of corn sells for about 3,800 to 4,000 KPW (4.22 to 4.44 USD), underscoring the relatively high cost of medications.
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