◆No funding, so they make officials and the wealthy pay
—— Why do the provinces have no money?
Because the government doesn't give them any. The Workers' Party is demanding that the donju contribute funds and donate equipment and materials. There were people who contributed materials and money for the interior construction of the county hospital. Most are officials or people from trading companies, contributing around 10 million won. Among them, some have contributed hundreds of millions of won.
※ 10,000 North Korean won equals approximately US$0.29. The average worker's wage is around 35,000-50,000 won.
—— Is medical service still free?
No. It's shifted to a social insurance system for workers belonging to state enterprises and wage-receiving units (organizations). Workers pay 2,000 won for medical treatment. Regular people pay 5,000 won. To receive treatment at the county hospital, you must bring an examination permit issued by the mine hospital or a district clinic.
The Kim Jong-un regime has recently been actively publicizing factory and housing construction in the provinces. State-run media publish photos of their splendid exteriors daily. However, needless to say, what's important isn't the appearance but the practicality of the facilities.
※ ASIAPRESS maintains communication with its reporting partners in North Korea through smuggled Chinese mobile phones.
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