Changes in North Korean society: Seeking medicines in jangmadang
instead of hospitals
The Unification Ministry signs a work agreement for the operation of
a mental health center for North Korean defectors and holds the
“Outreach Book Story Talk Concert” for the public (February 3, On Hospital)
On February 3, the Ministry of Unification signed a work agreement
with On Hospital in Busan for the operation of a mental health center
for North Korean defectors and held the “Outreach Book Story Talk
Concert” on the theme of healthcare in North Korea for the public.
* The work agreement event featured a keynote lecture by the
Minister of Unification on the realities of North Korean economy and
society, followed by a talk concert between the minister and medical
professionals who are North Korean defectors.
During the work agreement event, Unification Minister emphasized the
importance of caring for the mental health of North Korean defectors
to enable them to lead happy lives. Minister Kim also expressed
gratitude to the hospital for readily signing the agreement for the
operation of a mental health center for North Korean defectors.
Moreover, the South Korean government pledged to provide sustainable
support to help North Korean defectors find mental stability in their
daily lives and successfully settle in our society.
* Starting with the work agreement with On Hospital, the Unification
Ministry plans to expand cooperation with psychotherapy centers nationwide.
During the following talk concert, Minister Kim said that North
Korean society is changing from within, pointing out that “due to the
worsening of North Korea’s economy, North Korean residents are seeking
medicines in market places called jangmadang.”
Director Choi Jeonghoon, a North Korean defector, also spoke out on
the reality of healthcare in North Korea and said, “Because the North
Korean regime is pouring most of its money into developing nuclear and
missile programs, the healthcare system in the North is not
functioning properly.”
