The service began operation at Kim Man Yu Hospital in Pyongyang and provincial people's hospitals across the country in Juche 98 (2009).

It is now available at Pyongyang Medical College Hospital of Kim Il Sung University, the Oncology Institute of the Academy of Medical Science, Pyongyang Maternity Hospital and other central and local hospitals.

Digital microscopes, video conferencing cameras and digital electrocardiographs as well as computers are used for the service.

The service makes it possible for patients in local areas to get diagnosis and medical treatment from competent doctors at leading hospitals while staying at their residential hospitals

The network of telemedicine also helps introduce new medical technologies in a short time and invigorate academic exchanges among medical workers.

Pak Song Chol, a department director of the Ministry of Public Health, told KCNA:

"Many people throughout the country have benefited from the telemedicine service.

Among them are a peasant in North Hamgyong Province who was suffering hyperthermia for two months after abdominal operation, and an office worker in Ryanggang Province who was hit by cerebral apoplexy.

In particular, the service is very helpful for recovering at an earlier date parturient women and premature babies in critical conditions.

The World Health Organization has assisted the country in the operation of the service."