[1] The journal is subject to widespread publication bias and does not meet international standards; it lacks peer review, in-line citations, and an ethical code.

Basic Medicine is produced primarily for domestic distribution, although it is one of ten North Korean medical journals available in South Korea.

[2] Each issue of Basic Medicine begins with a quotation from the ruling Kim family, a table of contents, and two to three unsigned editorials that reflect the government's positions.

[1][3] The following section, titled "Research Results", consists of articles filed under "General Remarks and Data", "Original Idea", "News", and "Legal Commentary".

[6] Yonsei University public health professor Lee Hoon-sang noted that reports published in the journal demonstrated that the country had the ability to conduct PCR testing.