Drug prices in North Korea have recently begun falling a bit after skyrocketing due to the closure of the Sino-North Korean border.
A source in Yanggang Province told Daily NK on Thursday that drug prices in the pharmacies and markets of Hyesan have slightly fallen since the middle of the month. “In particular, locals are happy that merchants are selling antibiotics and other popular medicines at low prices,” he said.
According to the source, an ampoule of the antibiotic Levomicin — which contains the active ingredient Levofloxacin — had fallen from KPW 8,000 to KPW 7,000. Locals believe it to be highly effective against colitis, and look for it especially in summer.
Likewise, the price of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin had fallen from KPW 27,000 a dose to KPW 25,000. The drug works against E. coli.
These prescription antibiotics are used to treat respiratory infections, infections of the ears, nose and throat and sepsis.
For the most part, North Koreans had been using penicillin and mycillin, but with growing concern over fakes, many have turned to Levomicin and Ciprofloxacin as alternatives, said the source.
Moreover, the price of the Chinese drug A.P.C 1 has fallen from KPW 1,300 a pill to KPW 1,000. Intended as an antipyretic-analgesic, North Koreans think of it as headache medicine.
A dose of insulin for diabetics has fallen from KPW 500,000 to KPW 400,000, said the source, while a dose of 5% glucose has fallen from KPW 35,000 to KPW 30,000.
The falling prices might be due to drugs imported from China making their way into North Korean markets.
Analyzing trade statistics from China’s customs authority, Voice of America reported Wednesday that North Korea imported USD 3,006,662 in medical supplies and drugs from China last month.
In fact, the source said among locals, there is talk that a large amount of medicine has entered the country through Sinuiju.
Additionally, rumors are suddenly going around Hyesan that trade has “restarted.”
“There’s a lot of talk that customs will open from the end of this month, and if that happens, a lot of drugs will come in from China,” said the source. “It appears the price is falling as drug merchants compete to sell medicines at low prices in response.”
North Korea’s free healthcare system has practically ceased to function since the 1990s, with individuals now paying for medicines and treatment. Medicine prices skyrocketed when drugs grew scarce after the Sino-North Korean border was closed due to COVID-19 last year.
