The Health Care Crisis (in North Korea)

Open Radio reports new outbreaks of diseases — including malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid, and hepatitis — throughout North Korea, save Pyongyang. Meanwhile, in a country that somehow manages to to raise hard currency for the regime, ordinary people can’t afford basic pharmaceuticals like penicillin and aspirin. As a result, a black market has arisen to supply those basic needs. Unfortunately, the makers often add toxic impurities to the drugs.

Sure, you say, just import them from Canada. Unfortunately, the Inner Party has higher priorities for its foreign exchange.