Pyongyang: North Korea has completed the construction of its second modern regional hospital as part of leader Kim Jong-un's initiative to expand medical facilities nationwide to improve public health services, state media reported Sunday. Kim attended the inaugural ceremony of the Kusong City Hospital in North Phyongan Province to tour the facility.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the hospital follows the opening of the Kangdong County Hospital on the outskirts of Pyongyang last month. Kim described the Kusong facility as "another precious creation" and noted it reflects the ruling party's determination to strengthen regional areas and advance public health across the country. He also referred to 2025 as "the first year of the public health revolution."

At a plenary meeting last week, the Workers' Party of Korea announced plans to build modern hospitals simultaneously in 20 cities and counties starting next year, based on experience gained from this year's pilot projects. During the ceremony, Kim reaffirmed his commitment to constructing modern hospitals nationwide to establish a solid foundation for North Korea's public health system.

Kim also called the Kusong hospital "a model for modernizing public health," stating it should serve as an example for the development of regional health services through its operation. He emphasized the need to overhaul the state medical education system, improve the quality of medical workers, and ensure the proper management and operation of modern medical facilities and equipment.