Updates on public health, medical research, and healthcare services in Panama. Stories include policy changes, outbreaks, and practical health advice.
Minsa and the CSS have published the documentation, health and evaluation requirements for temporarily hiring foreign health professionals, prioritizing Panamanian specialists.
Panama has administered an innovative weekly subcutaneous therapy that prevents harmful transthyretin protein buildup, marking the first use of this treatment for a hereditary rare disease in the country.
A 21-year-old Ugandan mother, Martha Apolot, was rejected by family and community after the birth of her disabled son, Aaron, and now struggles to meet his daily needs amid widespread stigma.
The Hong Kong Menopause Society launches March 28 to challenge stigma and boost understanding of perimenopause and menopause after many women report symptoms dismissed as stress or ageing.
The burn unit at Hospital José Domingo De Obaldía in David has been remodeled with support from Teletón de Chiriquí, but doctors say the unit still needs medical supplies and are asking for donations.
Alexia Moore, 31, was arrested in Camden County, Georgia, and charged with murder after taking abortion medication and giving birth prematurely on Dec. 30; the case comes amid strict state abortion limits since Roe was overturned.
Idaan announced that tap water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas is not suitable for human consumption. Residents should await further guidance from authorities and use safe water alternatives.
Reports say contamination of the Río Pacora may affect over 400,000 people in Panama; authorities are investigating critical hotspots and possible health risks. Further testing and official updates are pending.
El Hospital Materno Infantil de Obaldía participó en la Feria de David presentando la mascota infantil “Doctora Ova”, creada desde el dibujo de un paciente para acompañar a menores en procesos médicos.
MINSA reports a 12-year-old student in Colón with pertussis is improving under treatment; a school epidemiological screening found no additional cases.
Minsa warns that tap water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas (Los Santos) is not safe after tests found elevated microorganisms; residents are advised to boil water 3–5 minutes.
Minsa and CSS said international applicants for temporary health roles must meet a set of requirements to ensure suitability and professional preparation, TVN 2 reported.
A school in Colón was temporarily closed over suspected whooping cough, prompting parents to demand fumigation while health authorities said there is no community outbreak.
The Ministry of Education in Colón closed Centro Educativo Desmond Byam for three days as a precaution after a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak; parents are advised to monitor children.
MINSA and IDAAN warned that water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas (Los Santos) is not fit for consumption and advised residents to boil water before use.
Idaan and Minsa detected water quality faults in Llano de Piedra and have advised residents to boil water while monitoring and tests continue.
Panama’s Ministry of Health and Honduras’ health ministry signed a two-year pact to exchange technology and work on optimizing health services, Telemetro reported March 20, 2026.
MINSA warns that tap water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas (Los Santos) is not safe to drink after tests found abnormal microorganism levels; residents should boil water 3–5 minutes.
Bill 403 advanced to a third debate in Panama, proposing biometric controls in casinos and funding for gambling addiction treatment to address ludopatía.
Panama’s Social Security Fund has administratively terminated the contract with the Alca-Ger consortium to reactivate the Boquete polyclinic; the companies are appealing and have sought forensic support.