Kim Jong-un has reportedly banned the use of Chinese medicine at major hospitals in North Korea after the death of an official.
The high-level dignitary was given an injection of cocarboxylase before passing away earlier this month, according to Daily NK.
Jong-un, the North Korean leader, is said to have become very angry after learning of the jab and has taken action.
Chinese-made medicines are now banned in Pyongyang, reports say - including Covid-19 vaccines.
The bureaucrat, in his 60s and suffering from a heart-related illness, was said to have been popular with dictator Jong-un.
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The injection he was given is usually used to treat fatigue but is sometimes used as a 'cure-all' in North Korea, a source said.
The country - which claims to have suffered no cases during the pandemic - is currently pushing medicines made domestically.
Foreign treatments are widely unavailable at the moment due to sanctions on North Korea.
But reports say many citizens still distrust medicines made in the country.
Jong-un, known as the 'Supreme Leader', is said to have ordered all Chinese medicine products be "removed" from the capital.
Vaccine samples under research have also been banned, it is said, with the focus switched to domestic jabs.
North Korea sealed off its land borders with China and Russia last year to stop the spread of the pandemic.
But, while this may have helped cases, it has meant the import-dependent economy has suffered.
The news comes days after Jong-un reportedly outlawed skinny jeans and mullets - to keep young people under control.
The despot is said to fear "decadent" Western influence on the country's youth - amid fears it could cause his regime to crumble.
Ripped and skinny jeans, and extravagant haircuts, are all viewed as signs of an "invasion of capitalistic lifestyle", it is claimed.
