Updates on public health, medical research, and healthcare services in Panama. Stories include policy changes, outbreaks, and practical health advice.
Panama’s Semana Santa 2026 holiday began with two deaths, one in a traffic crash in Chiriquí and another under investigation, as authorities maintained a nationwide safety operation. Officials also reported heavy travel, rescues, medical attentions, and an incident involving more than 100 people affected by bees in Penonomé.
Panama City’s Mercado de Mariscos will operate partially on Monday as the municipality carries out a deep cleaning campaign. City Hall says the move is meant to reinforce food safety and sanitation standards.
Resident and intern doctors in Panama met with CSS officials to demand faster payment of overtime shifts and better payroll processing. Fenameri has also called a nationwide peaceful protest for April 9.
MSF says drone strikes on Al Jabalain Hospital in Sudan’s White Nile State killed 10 people and hit an operating theatre and maternity ward. The attack adds to growing alarm over assaults on medical facilities in Sudan’s civil war.
An africanized bee attack disrupted a Good Friday Via Crucis in Penonomé, Coclé, affecting about 150 people and sending 50 for medical care. Emergency teams from several Panamanian institutions coordinated the response.
Israeli strikes on healthcare facilities in southern Lebanon are worsening displacement and pushing an already fragile medical system toward collapse. The attacks come amid the broader Israel-Hezbollah conflict and growing humanitarian concern.
Panama’s residency system is facing delays in pay and a sharp drop in specialist training slots, even as the health authorities recruit foreign doctors to fill urgent gaps. The clash is exposing a deeper shortage of specialists in the public health system.
IPHE used World Autism Awareness Day to promote greater inclusion of people with autism in Panama’s education system and job market. The message highlighted access as a key part of full participation in society.
Panama’s Health Ministry will install a fully equipped medical module to provide immediate care during surfing events at the South American Youth Games. The move is part of the country’s safety planning for the international competition.
Gustavo Herrera shared his recovery testimony after joining Cambiando Vidas and reunited with his father and brother in an emotional family visit. The moment was marked by birthday wishes and a renewed sense of support.
Panama’s Ministry of Health activated a Blue Alert for Holy Week 2026 to help ensure emergency care during the busy holiday period. The measure is aimed at strengthening health-service readiness as travel and public activity increase.
Panama’s Ministry of Health says influenza has caused 31 deaths so far in 2026, while respiratory illness indicators remain elevated. Influenza-like syndrome and severe acute respiratory infections are also adding pressure to the health system.
Panama has installed its Technical Council on Medicinal Cannabis to oversee regulation, patient access, and implementation of Law 242. The move comes as the country expands its licensed cannabis medicine system, including its first specialized pharmacy.
Panama’s Ministry of Health will begin its nationwide influenza vaccination campaign on April 6. The effort aims to expand protection against seasonal flu across the country.
Panama has received the first batch of its 2026 influenza vaccines, with free shots set to begin Monday at Minsa, CSS, and participating private hospitals. The government has secured 1.2 million doses for the national campaign.
Panama will begin its free influenza vaccination campaign on April 6, starting with 384,000 doses distributed nationwide. Health officials are prioritizing older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions.
ETSU students and volunteers traveled to rural Panama with Global Brigades to support community health needs and provide hands-on care. The trip highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities in rural health access across the country.
A dialysis patient had his truck stolen from the parking lot of Panama’s Social Security hospital complex while he was undergoing treatment. The damaged security cameras meant the theft was not captured on video.
CSS announced new medicine deliveries, but patients at several pharmacies are still reporting shortages of amlodipine and other chronic-disease drugs. The problem is fueling frustration as treatment interruptions continue across the public health system.
Panama marked World Autism Awareness Day with the launch of “Brillando Juntos,” a campaign focused on inclusion and public awareness. The effort highlights the importance of building a more accepting society for people on the autism spectrum.