Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has hailed the construction of a new hospital as a "great revolution" in the country's public health care system, state media reported Tuesday. The comment came during his inspection of a hospital complex under construction in Kangdong County, located on the northeastern outskirts of Pyongyang, on Monday, according to the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Jong-un emphasized the significance of this development, stating that building modern public health facilities in cities and counties is crucial for advancing public healthcare. He noted that the health sector has lagged behind others and that this initiative aims to surpass them within ten years. During the visit, Kim toured various sections of the facility, including the outpatient ward, operating theater, inpatient ward, and underground parking area.
Kim was accompanied by senior officials of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, including Kim Tok-hun, Kim Jae-ryong, and O Su-yong, as reported by KCNA. The North Korean leader stressed the importance of advancing medical equipment and strengthening the health care workforce, highlighting the need for systematic and scientific training for health and medical workers.
This visit follows Kim's attendance at the hospital's groundbreaking ceremony in February. At that time, he ordered the construction of hospitals in three counties as a pilot project for the year and planned to build 20 hospitals across cities and counties annually, starting in 2026.
North Korea launched the Regional Development 20X10 Policy in January 2024, which pledged to build 20 modern factories in cities and towns each year to enhance the material and cultural lives of the people. In August, Kim ordered the expansion of this policy to include hospitals and science and technology distribution centers.