Beginning in the 1950s, North Korea put great emphasis on healthcare, and between 1955 and 1986, the number of hospitals grew from 285 to 2,401, and the number of clinics – from 1,020 to 5,644.[5] Special health care is available mainly in cities,[6] where pharmacies are also common.[7] Essential medicines are well available.[8] There are hospitals attached to factories and mines.