Welcome to MyHospitalNow, your essential global gateway to reliable healthcare information. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, possesses a healthcare system shrouded in an equal measure of official pride and international scrutiny. The country’s constitution guarantees universal, free healthcare for all citizens, a policy that dates back to its founding. The system, known for its “section doctor” model, emphasizes preventive care and a public health approach to medicine.
However, the reality on the ground, particularly since the economic downturn of the 1990s, presents a more complex picture. Decades of international sanctions, resource shortages, and economic difficulties have led to a severe decline in the quality of medical services for the general population. Many hospitals outside the capital city of Pyongyang reportedly suffer from a lack of electricity, clean water, and essential medicines. Consequently, a stark contrast exists between the well-equipped, modern facilities in Pyongyang that serve the country’s elite and the often-dilapidated clinics in rural areas.
Despite these challenges, North Korea has some impressive medical facilities, particularly in its capital, that stand as symbols of its commitment to national development. This guide is your definitive resource, highlighting the top 20 hospitals and healthcare facilities in North Korea. For a more detailed look at the complete list and to explore other healthcare resources, visit MyHospitalnow’s comprehensive guide to the best Hospitals in north-korea.
The Premier Healthcare Facilities of North Korea
North Korea’s most prominent medical institutions are primarily concentrated in the capital city of Pyongyang, where they serve as centers for advanced care, medical education, and specialized treatment.
1. Pyongyang General Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: The Pyongyang General Hospital is the newest and most significant addition to North Korea’s healthcare infrastructure. Its construction was a high-profile national project, commissioned by the country’s leadership to create a comprehensive, modern medical facility for the promotion of public health.
Specialization of Treatment: As a general hospital, it is designed to provide a wide range of services, including routine health checks, advanced diagnostics, and major surgeries. Its establishment represents a renewed focus on modern, centralized healthcare in the capital.
2. Pyongyang Maternity Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: The Pyongyang Maternity Hospital is perhaps the most famous medical facility in North Korea. Opened in 1980, it is a state-of-the-art institution dedicated to women’s health, maternity, and pediatric care. It is known for its unique policies, such as video conferencing booths for new fathers to see their newborns and mothers for a period to prevent infection.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital specializes in Maternity and Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and includes a wing dedicated to the research and treatment of Breast Cancer. It also uniquely integrates traditional Korean (Koryo) medicine into its treatment plans, with a significant portion of its services based on herbal remedies and acupuncture.
3. Kim Il-sung Military Medical University Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: This is a top-tier medical facility primarily serving North Korea’s military and political elite. It also functions as the main teaching hospital for the Kim Il-sung Military Medical University, ensuring that it is staffed by some of the country’s most highly trained doctors.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital is a national leader in a broad range of advanced medical fields, with a particular focus on Surgery, Trauma Care, and other specialties vital to military and elite healthcare.
4. Koryo Medicine General Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: This hospital is a cornerstone of North Korea’s emphasis on traditional medicine, which is promoted as a scientific and effective alternative to Western medicine. It is a central hub for research and treatment using time-honored Korean remedies and practices.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital specializes in a variety of treatments rooted in Traditional Korean (Koryo) Medicine, including Acupuncture, Herbal Remedies, and other traditional therapies for a wide range of medical conditions.
5. Okryu Children’s Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: Opened in 2013, the Okryu Children’s Hospital is a modern pediatric facility built to provide comprehensive medical care for children. It is a source of national pride, frequently featured in state media as a symbol of the government’s commitment to the well-being of its youth.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital is exclusively dedicated to Pediatric Care, with departments for various children’s illnesses, as well as a focus on prevention and early diagnosis.
6. Pyongyang Medical College Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: As a major teaching hospital affiliated with a top medical college, this facility plays a critical dual role: providing high-level clinical care to the public while training the next generation of North Korean doctors.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital offers a wide range of services, with a strong focus on Medical Education, General Surgery, and various other Specialized Medical Fields.
7. Pyongyang Red Cross Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: The Pyongyang Red Cross Hospital is a significant public hospital that provides a broad range of medical services to the capital’s population. It is a key part of the public healthcare network, offering both routine and specialized care.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital provides comprehensive services in General Medicine, Emergency Care, and various Surgical Disciplines.
8. Ryugyong General Ophthalmic Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: This is a specialized hospital in Pyongyang dedicated entirely to eye care. Its establishment reflects a focus on specific health needs within the capital.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital is a national leader in Ophthalmology, providing services for everything from routine eye exams to complex eye surgeries.
9. Ryugyong Dental Hospital, Pyongyang
Introduction: Also a specialized facility in Pyongyang, the Ryugyong Dental Hospital is the country’s leading center for dental care. It provides advanced dental services to the capital’s population.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital specializes in all aspects of Dentistry, including routine check-ups, advanced dental procedures, and oral surgery.
10. Ponghwa Clinic, Pyongyang
Introduction: The Ponghwa Clinic is a highly exclusive facility that is widely believed to serve the country’s top political officials and their families. Its services and facilities are reportedly of the highest standard in the country.
Specialization of Treatment: The clinic offers a wide range of high-end, specialized medical services, with a focus on Executive Health, Preventive Care, and advanced diagnostics.
11. Sinuiju General Hospital, Sinuiju
Introduction: Located in the city of Sinuiju, on the border with China, this hospital serves as a key healthcare center for the northwest region of the country. It is a vital resource for a major population center.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital provides a comprehensive range of services, including General Medicine and Surgery.
12. Wonsan Medical Center, Wonsan
Introduction: The Wonsan Medical Center is a significant medical facility in the port city of Wonsan. It plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the population of the Kangwon Province.
Specialization of Treatment: The center is known for its services in Cardiology and General Surgery.
13. Chongjin General Hospital, Chongjin
Introduction: As a major hospital in Chongjin, the third-largest city in North Korea, this facility is a key healthcare provider for the Hamgyong Province. It is one of the most important hospitals outside of Pyongyang.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital provides comprehensive services in General Medicine and Surgery.
14. Hamhung Medical Center, Hamhung
Introduction: Located in Hamhung, the second-largest city, this medical center is a vital part of the public healthcare network. It offers a wide range of services to the large urban population it serves.
Specialization of Treatment: The center focuses on Internal Medicine and Surgery.
15. Sariwon General Hospital, Sariwon
Introduction: This hospital in Sariwon is a major healthcare provider for the North Hwanghae Province. It is a key institution for providing both emergency and general medical services to the region.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital specializes in Emergency Medicine and a range of Surgical Services.
16. Kangdong General Hospital, Kangdong
Introduction: Kangdong General Hospital is a significant healthcare facility located in Kangdong. It provides essential medical services to a large population in the area.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital focuses on General Medicine, Maternity Care, and Pediatric Care.
17. Kaesong Medical Center, Kaesong
Introduction: Kaesong Medical Center is a major healthcare institution in the historic city of Kaesong. It offers specialized medical services to its population.
Specialization of Treatment: The center provides specialized services in Cardiovascular Care and Diabetes Management.
18. Rason Medical Center, Rason
Introduction: The Rason Medical Center serves the special economic zone of Rason, a strategic area for trade with China and Russia. It is a key healthcare provider in this important region.
Specialization of Treatment: The center is known for its specialized services in Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.
19. Munchon Medical Center, Munchon
Introduction: Munchon Medical Center is a medical facility that provides specialized services to the population of Munchon.
Specialization of Treatment: The center specializes in Neurology and Brain Surgery.
20. Haeju General Hospital, Haeju
Introduction: Located in the port city of Haeju, this hospital is a major healthcare facility for the South Hwanghae Province.
Specialization of Treatment: The hospital is known for its specialized services in Respiratory Diseases and Tuberculosis Treatment.
The Healthcare System of North Korea: Challenges and Realities
North Korea’s healthcare system is a fascinating subject, but one that is difficult to analyze due to the limited information available to the outside world.
- Universal, Yet Uneven: While the system is nominally universal and free, the quality of care is highly dependent on a patient’s location and social status. Facilities in Pyongyang are modern and well-equipped, while those in rural areas often lack basic necessities.
- Resource Shortages: A major challenge is the lack of medical supplies, including medicines, proper equipment, and even reliable electricity and running water, especially in regional hospitals. This has forced many citizens to pay for care and medicines on the black market, undermining the “free” healthcare model.
- The “Section Doctor” System: The system is built on a network of “section doctors” who are responsible for the health of a specific number of households in a particular area. Their role is to provide preventive care, conduct health education, and address minor illnesses, serving as the first point of contact for the population.
- Traditional Medicine: The government places significant emphasis on the use of traditional Korean medicine, known as Koryo medicine, which is integrated with Western medicine in many hospitals. This approach is partly a matter of national policy and partly a practical response to the shortage of Western pharmaceuticals.
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Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and a Future of Development
In conclusion, North Korea’s healthcare system, with its blend of socialist principles and resource constraints, is a complex and often-contradictory entity. While a significant gap exists between the elite facilities in Pyongyang and the struggling clinics in the countryside, the hospitals on this list represent the pinnacle of the nation’s medical infrastructure. From the internationally recognized Pyongyang Maternity Hospital to the new, modern Pyongyang General Hospital, these institutions stand as symbols of a government that continues to prioritize—at least in its official discourse—the health and well-being of its citizens. Despite the severe challenges of sanctions and shortages, the medical community in North Korea continues to provide care, highlighting a system defined by both resilience and the ongoing need for substantial development and modernization.