North Korea is making efforts to expand its Koryo medicine production. The Asian nation is now shifting toward domestically manufactured or produced products, especially in the medical sector, after recently emphasizing the need for greater economic independence. 

However, several health experts expressed concerns about the production expansion of Koryo medicine, which was used by many to treat fevers and other minor ailments.  

Koryo Medicine Production Expansion in North Korea Worries Medical Experts

These health experts raised concerns about the side effects caused by this traditional medicine, which have become a serious problem.

The Daily NK reported that a health expert in South Pyongan Province, who asked for anonymity, said a health investigation was being conducted in the province.

The investigation found 163 medical incidents in clinics and hospitals, and 130 were related to abuse or misuse of Koryo medicine. Over 90 of these drug-linked incidents were caused by the side effects of Koryo medicine. 

Experts involved in the investigation warned that their findings show that the Koryo medicine could increase medical accidents in North Korea.

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What is Koryo Medicine?

According to The Voice of America, Koryo medicine refers to herbal concoctions that sometimes include animal parts, acupuncture, cupping, heat therapy, moxibustion, and meridian massages. 

Ancient remedies like these are used in many other Asian and Western nations, too, but traditional and modern medicines operate separately in these countries. North Korea has merged them.

North Korea began focusing on Koryo medicine ever since the COVID-19 pandemic raised the need for domestically produced drugs. The Ninth Expanded Plenary Session of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea highlighted the modernization of Koryo medicine factories as one of the party's significant achievements last year. 

In December 2023, some experts touted that Koryo medicine is highly effective and shows great potential in health trials. However, other medical professionals warned that this traditional medicine still lacks proper research.

Another issue with Koryo medicine is that factories that manufacture them reportedly do not maintain sanitary conditions for handling needed ingredients and storing medicines.

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