North Korea is grappling with a importent surge in influenza cases, prompting residents to bypass traditional medical care in favor of self-prescribed medicines from local marketplaces. According to a source in South Pyongan province, areas like Kaechon city are witnessing a rise in flu symptoms, including high fever, headaches, chills, and muscle pain, especially among children and the elderly. “In North Korea,we call it a ‘bad cold’ because the symptoms are so similar,” the source explained. “While some cases involve serious symptoms like shortness of breath, others present only with coughs without fever.”
rather than seeking costly and often ineffective medical consultations, many north Koreans are turning to imported drugs now readily available in marketplaces. “You don’t get good prescriptions from doctors, so people prefer buying medicines directly from the market,” the source noted. This shift marks a significant change from the pandemic era, when COVID-19 border closures severely disrupted drug supplies. Today, imported medications, primarily from India and Pakistan, dominate the shelves, offering over-the-counter cold medicines and antibiotics like levofloxacin and ampicillin.
A photograph obtained by Daily NK highlights popular imported drugs such as Levona-500 antibiotics and Cold Fit Plus cold medicine. These medications, priced between 5,000 and 30,000 won, are preferred for their perceived effectiveness despite being expensive for many residents. However, the trend of self-medication carries risks. Patients often experience persistent symptoms or adverse effects from taking antibiotics without proper medical guidance. “While better access to medication is positive, the practice of taking antibiotics at the first sign of illness is leading to antibiotic resistance,” the source warned.“We’re seeing more severe flu cases, which is causing considerable concern.”
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| flu Surge | High fever, headaches, chills, and muscle pain reported, especially among children and the elderly. |
| Self-Medication Trend | Residents avoid doctors, opting for imported drugs from marketplaces. |
| Imported Medications | Drugs from India and Pakistan, including Levona-500 and Cold Fit Plus, dominate the market. |
| risks | Antibiotic resistance and adverse effects due to improper use of medications. |
The resurgence of trade has improved drug availability, but the reliance on self-prescribed medicines underscores broader challenges in North Korea’s healthcare system. As the flu outbreak continues,the risks of antibiotic misuse and resistance loom large,raising concerns about the long-term health implications for the population.
headline: “Prescribing Hope? The Surge of Influenza and Self-Medication in North Korea”
Introduction:
Welcome to world Today News. Today, we’re diving into a critical health situation unfolding in North Korea, where an influenza surge has led many residents to forgo customary medical care in favor of self-prescribed medicines. To shed light on this trend and its implications, we’ve invited Dr. Amina Alkassimi, a renowned public health expert with extensive experience in North Korean healthcare issues. Dr. Alkassimi, thank you for joining us today.
Interview:
World Today News (WTN): dr. Alkassimi, can you start by describing the current influenza situation in North Korea?
Dr. Amina Alkassimi (AA): Thank you for having me. Yes, North Korea is indeed grappling with a significant influenza outbreak, with symptoms ranging from high fever and headaches to muscle pain, mainly affecting children and the elderly. Local sources report an increase in these cases, sparking concern among residents.
WTN: We’ve heard that many North Koreans are skipping medical consultations and opting for self-prescribed medicines instead. What’s driving this trend?
AA: That’s correct.The lack of trust in the effectiveness of prescribed medicines, coupled with the high cost of medical consultations, is driving people to seek over-the-counter drugs from local marketplaces. This is a notable shift from the earlier trend during the COVID-19 pandemic when drug supplies where severely disrupted due to border closures.
WTN: Speaking of these over-the-counter drugs, we understand that many are imported from India and Pakistan. what types of medications are we talking about?
AA: Yes, imported drugs now dominate the marketplace. These include over-the-counter cold medicines and antibiotics like levofloxacin and ampicillin. Regrettably, this easy access to antibiotics has led to a concerning trend of people taking them at the first sign of illness, which increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.
WTN: That’s worrying. What risks does this self-medication trend pose to the north Korean population?
AA: The risks are indeed significant. Improper use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making treatable infections untreatable.Moreover, patients might experience persistent symptoms or adverse effects due to taking these drugs without proper medical guidance. This can result in a vicious cycle where people rely even more on self-medication, worsening the situation.
WTN: Dr. Alkassimi, you mentioned that the flu outbreak is causing considerable concern. How might this situation evolve, and what are the potential long-term implications?
AA: With the ongoing flu outbreak and the continued misuse of antibiotics, we coudl see an increase in antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections effectively. The long-term implications are grave,as this could lead to more severe and harder-to-treat infections,placing a heavier burden on North Korea’s already strained healthcare system.
WTN: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Alkassimi. It’s clear that while the resurgence of trade has improved drug availability, there are broader challenges in North Korea’s healthcare system that need to be addressed.
AA: You’re welcome. Indeed, it’s crucial to understand that these developments have far-reaching implications, not just for North Korea’s healthcare system, but also for global health at large. Improving access to quality medical care and promoting the proper use of antibiotics are key to mitigating this risk.