The numbers
Health
65%
Paid for their own medicine
Of defectors surveyed - plus 82% who paid for medical supplies. Source
The system
Care for some
2022
Medicines start costing money
State "standard pharmacies" began charging; by 2025 hospitals listed fees openly. Source
2025
"Health Revolution" year
Kim launched a drive to build modern hospitals across the country. Source
1
Leader with his own doctors
Seoul's spy agency says a dedicated medical team watches Kim, who weighs over 140 kg. More
More inside North Korea
Who runs it, the military, energy, daily life and more.
Sources
Where this comes from
Figures are public estimates and may be dated - North Korea publishes almost no statistics.