North Korea has opened its second modern regional hospital as part of a broader public health expansion drive led by leader Kim Jong Un. The newly inaugurated Kusong City Hospital opened in North Phyongan Province, marking another step in public health expansion nationwide.
Kim Jong Un attended the opening ceremony and toured the hospital facilities, signaling leadership focus on regional healthcare improvement. State media described the hospital as a symbol of modernization and equal access to medical services across provincial communities.
The Kusong facility follows the opening of Kangdong County Hospital near Pyongyang, which launched operations just one month earlier. Together, the two hospitals serve as pilot projects guiding future public health expansion plans throughout the country.
Kim praised the Kusong hospital as a valuable achievement reflecting the ruling party’s commitment to improving public welfare. He described 2025 as the first year of a national public health revolution, emphasizing healthcare as a governing priority.
Moreover, Kim highlighted the importance of strengthening regional areas to reduce disparities between urban and provincial medical services. At a recent Workers’ Party plenary meeting, officials announced plans to construct hospitals in 20 cities and counties.
The government plans to begin simultaneous construction next year using lessons learned from the initial hospital projects. Accordingly, officials aim to standardize hospital design, equipment management, and staffing across all new facilities.
Kim also urged authorities to treat the Kusong hospital as a model for modern public health services. He stressed that efficient hospital operations remain as important as construction quality and advanced medical equipment.
Furthermore, Kim called for major reforms to the national medical education system supporting public health expansion goals. He emphasized training skilled healthcare workers capable of operating modern diagnostic and treatment technologies.
Authorities also plan to improve supply chains and maintenance systems supporting medical equipment nationwide. These initiatives reflect broader efforts to strengthen internal social systems amid ongoing economic and diplomatic pressures.
Analysts note that healthcare investment allows the government to demonstrate concern for citizens’ daily welfare. Additionally, regional hospital development supports political messaging centered on equality and national resilience.
While the government released no budget figures, officials suggested continued state prioritization of healthcare infrastructure spending. The Kusong hospital includes modern wards, diagnostic departments, and outpatient services designed to serve surrounding communities.
Officials expect the facility to reduce travel burdens for residents seeking advanced medical treatment. As construction expands, authorities will monitor hospital performance to refine future public health expansion strategies.
Ultimately, the leadership framed the hospital program as foundational to strengthening North Korea’s long-term healthcare system.
