North Korea has a life expectancy of 74 years as of 2022[update].[1] While North Korea is classified as a low-income country, the structure of North Korea's causes of death (2013) is unlike that of other low-income countries.[2] Rather, causes of death are closer to the worldwide averages, with non-communicable diseases – such as cardiovascular disease – accounting for two-thirds of the total deaths.[2]
North Korea claims to provide universal health care with a national medical service and health insurance system.[3] It also claims that health services are offered for free.[4] However, this claim has been contested by North Korean defectors, who assert that patients must in fact pay for health services, that the upper classes have access to a higher standard of healthcare, and that "how much money a patient has determined whether they live or die".[5]
- ^ "Korea, Dem. People's Rep". The World Bank. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
- ^ a b Lee, YH; Yoon, SJ; Kim, YA; Yeom, JW; Oh, IH (2013). "Overview of the burden of diseases in North Korea". J Prev Med Public Health. 46 (3): 111–7. doi:10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.3.111. PMC 3677063. PMID 23766868.
- ^ Library of Congress – Federal Research Division (2007). "Country Profile: North Korea" (PDF). Library of Congress – Federal Research Division. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
- ^ Country Profile 2007, pp. 7–8.
- ^ Shim, Tae-il (21 February 2020). "Ask a North Korean: what is the healthcare system in the DPRK really like?". NK News.