Updates on public health, medical research, and healthcare services in Panama. Stories include policy changes, outbreaks, and practical health advice.
Panama’s Health Ministry is focusing on vaccination and the Azuero water crisis, with officials calling for stronger oversight of contaminated watersheds. The discussion highlights the link between environmental conditions and public health.
Panama’s Supreme Court ordered the State to pay $75,000 to three dietilenglycol victims and required the CSS to issue a public apology. The ruling also mandates memorial and website measures to honor victims and track ongoing claims.
Anti-corruption prosecutors in Panama are investigating the alleged expiration of more than B/.2.5 million in supplies stored in CSS warehouses. The case raises questions about public administration, inventory controls, and taxpayer losses.
Anti-corruption prosecutors in Panama are investigating the discovery of $2.5 million in expired supplies inside the Caja de Seguro Social. The case began after an internal audit flagged the items in storage points managed by the public health institution.
Panama’s courts ordered the state to compensate victims of the dietylene glycol scandal and required the CSS to issue a public apology. The ruling reopens attention on one of the country’s most devastating public health cases.
The Ministry of Health continued an eviction operation against vendors outside the Manuel Paulino Ocaña Polyclinic in Penonomé. The move centers on keeping access to the health facility clear and orderly.
Health authorities in Coclé are intensifying vaccination efforts as respiratory illnesses rise in the province. The push comes ahead of the Americas Vaccination Week, set for April 23-30.
A CSS surgical team at Ciudad de la Salud completed a complex aortic operation on a patient with chronic dissection and a dangerous aneurysm. The patient is recovering favorably after the high-risk procedure.
Panama faces a hot Monday with isolated rain in several regions and UV-B levels expected to reach very high to extreme levels. Residents are being urged to protect themselves from sun exposure.
A mother and newborn died in Panama after a rare vertical transmission of tuberculosis, underscoring late diagnosis and access barriers in rural areas. The case has renewed calls for better prenatal screening and earlier detection.
Panama is offering free PrEP at 12 health centers across nine regions as part of its HIV prevention strategy. Health officials say the medication can be highly effective, but it must be paired with testing and condom use.
The Ministry of Health held a weekend drive in San Miguelito to issue white and green health cards, with more than 300 food handlers taking part. The campaign supports food safety and hygiene standards in Panama’s food sector.
Panama’s weather authority is maintaining an alert for fire spread and high UV radiation in Chiriquí, Veraguas, the central provinces, Panamá Oeste, and comarcal areas. The warning highlights increased risks for both public safety and health.
SINAPROC has warned of elevated temperatures and potentially extreme radiation levels across Panama. Residents are being urged to take precautions against heat exposure and dehydration.
Panama’s Health Ministry issued more than 300 health cards at a health fair aimed at helping people who cannot handle the process on weekdays. Officials also warned that enforcement operations will begin in July.
Israeli attacks across Iran, Lebanon and Gaza are worsening pressure on healthcare systems already battered by war. The strikes raise fresh concerns over civilian protection and regional escalation.
The Social Security Fund will continue its monthly “CSS en tu Comunidad” health days in different areas of Panama, offering consultations, exams, and vaccinations. The program is aimed at improving access to care in communities with difficult access or high demand.
Panama’s Ministry of Health has barred employers, schools and public institutions from requiring mental health certificates for routine procedures. Officials say the move protects dignity, confidentiality and non-discrimination.
Panama’s 10th March for Science in Amador renewed calls for greater research funding as officials and scientists pointed to low investment and a shortage of researchers. The event also highlighted recent gains in the country’s scientific workforce.
Panama’s Health Ministry has banned the use of mental health certificates for jobs and studies in both the public and private sectors. The move is aimed at protecting access, privacy, and fairness in hiring and admissions.