North Korea expands medical insurance as new hospitals rise in cities and counties
North Korea is building model hospitals and pharmacies across the country while widening a new medical insurance program meant to ease the cost of treatment. Unstable medicine supplies and costly premiums, however, are limiting the benefits for many North Koreans. “Every city and county is building a pilot hospital to modernize the hospital system,” a […]
North Korea is expanding its medical insurance program as new hospitals and pharmacies are constructed across the country. Kim Jong Un issued a call for a "revolution in public health" in February 2025, prompting the state to build model hospitals, pharmacies, and expand the insurance coverage nationwide. The campaign follows an unstable medical supply situation and costly premiums that limit benefits for many North Koreans.
Kangdong County Hospital, the first regional hospital built under the campaign, opened in November 2025, with plans to construct about 20 more hospitals in 2026. Pharmaceutical factories in Pyongyang and other provinces are also increasing production of essential medicines using both Chinese and domestic raw materials. Despite these efforts, medicine prices fluctuate significantly, with costs rising sharply when production is halted or supplies are scarce.
While the medical insurance program provides free care and reduced rates for tests and surgeries, it places a financial burden on poorer households. Premiums vary according to income levels, with higher earners paying around 50,000 won monthly and lower earners paying about 5,000 won. Even the 5,000-won monthly fee can be a significant expense for elderly people without a steady income.
The benefits of the program will likely vary by social class, given the instability of medicine supplies and the impact of premiums on poorer households.
Written by urgent.news from Daily NK's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
