earticle

영어

As North Korea has been notorious for ignoring the interests of its people, many of the people face serious health problems arising from disease and malnutrition. A variety of nongovernment organizations are trying to help North Korea’s health problems, but no one knows the circumstances of North Korea's health status and system because of the lack of data and reliable information. Several researchers have raised the various problems of North Korea’s health system. These issues are centered upon the efficiency and effectiveness of system. Using a quantitative method with regard to major health indicators, this study evaluates key components of health system using the WHO’s evaluation framework. We analyzed how health inputs are reflected in outputs, outcomes and impact of the system. This paper is divided into eight chapters. The first three chapters introduce the input factors in the health system. Chapters four and five explain organizational structure as the output. Chapter six analyzes the performance of the medical care system outcomes. Chapter seven evaluates North Korean overall health status based on basic health indicators. The final chapter suggests that achieving and maintaining a healthy population with good health results does not only depend on the good healthcare system but also the government's commitment. Good governmental policies regarding public health and social security are crucial to achieve good quality of life equally distributed to the whole population.