Publication
HSF Korea’s Contribution to the 2023 Third Edition of KORUM

In his article, Dr. Seliger discusses the development of the pharmaceutical industry in North Korea, as well as the challenges and changes resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The North Korean government likes to talk about free universal healthcare, but the reality is often different. Although the pharmaceutical industry in North Korea has begun to focus on generic medicines and traditional medicine in recent decades, its production is hampered by the country's isolation and the resulting difficulty in importing raw materials for medicines and medical equipment or finished products. Traditional "Goryo medicine" is therefore increasingly being used by the population, particularly in rural areas. Easier procurement of materials and demand in the country are boosting the market for traditional medicine.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation in the country. The supply chain for the production of generic medicines was interrupted and foreign employees of pharmaceutical companies left the country. The difficult economic situation, coupled with a worsened shortage of necessary medicines, increased the risk of severe disease progressions.

Dr. Seliger hopes for a resumption of humanitarian aid, especially in the pharmaceutical sector now that North Korea is slowly reopening its borders.

You can find the article on page 26 of the third edition of Korum, available on the AHK Korea website.