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Doctors at a hospital in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, discussing ways to deal with ways to deal with the outbreak of COVID-19. (Rodong Sinmun)
Despite a recent surge in infections, North Korea is emphasizing self-reliance rather than implementing practical measures such as distributing vaccines. In response, doctors and ordinary citizens have begun joking that “the Workers’ Party has bestowed upon us the panacea of self-reliance.”
“Even though infectious diseases like typhoid and paratyphoid fever are currently spreading throughout the country, authorities are merely instructing doctors to utilize folk medicine and limit drug prescriptions,” a source in South Hamgyong province told Daily NK recently.
North Korea typically conducts vaccination campaigns for infectious diseases including typhoid and paratyphoid fever every February and March. This year, however, the inoculation campaign has faltered due to vaccine shortages. This may explain the reported spike in cases.
When North Korea’s Ministry of Public Health discussed infectious disease prevention during a video conference with provincial public health workers in early March, officials essentially stressed self-reliance without offering any practical solutions, frustrating front-line medical workers.
The source quoted ministry officials as stating during the meeting: “We can’t remain idle despite the lack of medication and disinfectant, so please make the most of folk remedies.”
Following this meeting, public health officials with the South Hamgyong provincial people’s committee instructed hospitals in the province to “address everything using self-reliant treatments.” Consequently, hospitals now find themselves seriously exploring the option of treating infectious diseases with folk remedies.
Some hospitals have reportedly held multiple meetings with managers to implement traditional treatments based on herbal concoctions.
Doctors working directly with patients are deeply disappointed that authorities are asking them to use folk remedies instead of providing effective medicine or vaccines to control these infectious diseases.
“What we really need is medication, but the authorities keep emphasizing self-reliance,” one doctor said with a heavy sigh.
“Self-reliance might make sense in manufacturing, but it’s nonsensical in medical care when people’s lives are at stake,” remarked another doctor.
“What exactly are we supposed to do with ‘self-reliant treatment’ based on herbal remedies?” a third asked.
“When doctors have no options to help suffering patients right before their eyes, it leaves them feeling powerless. The Workers’ Party calls doctors ‘public health officials responsible for people’s health,’ but doctors often lament they’re little more than gown-wearing security guards at the hospital,” the source said.
“As long as the government keeps emphasizing self-reliance while neglecting to provide necessary medications, people won’t take pride in the free medical care the government constantly promotes,” the source added.
Amid the recent increase in infectious disease cases, public health officials are reportedly intensifying propaganda efforts. These include posting hygiene-focused notices—encouraging frequent handwashing and drinking boiled water—at market entrances and at guard posts of neighborhood watch units.
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