The work, published on Feb. 27, Juche 68 (1979), clarifies the principled tasks and ways to develop the traditional Korean medicine on the basis of a scientific analysis of the characteristics and advantages of Koryo medicine.

Ri Pong Hun, vice-minister of Public Health, spoke first there.

He said that the President's work serves as important guidelines as it gives overall answers to the theoretical and practical issues arising in inheriting and developing the traditional national medicine and indicates the way of truly contributing to promoting the people's health by firmly preserving the Juche character and national character in the public health.

He referred to the fact that the validity of the idea of Koryo medicine enunciated by the President has been proved and its vitality given fuller play under the meticulous guidance and profound care of General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

He called on all health workers to make a leap forward in the development of Koryo medicine and thus contribute to giving play to the advantages of the socialist public health system in the country.

Then followed panel discussions on Koryo internal and external treatment, essentials of Koryo medicine and Koryo drug, acupuncture and physical constitution.

Presented at the panel discussions were at least 500 papers introducing the successes made by scientists, technicians, teachers and medical workers in their researches to put Koryo medicine on a high scientific and technological basis.

The symposium was attended by scientists, technicians, teachers and medical workers in the field of public health.