Updates on public health, medical research, and healthcare services in Panama. Stories include policy changes, outbreaks, and practical health advice.
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.
Panama’s National Assembly unanimously approved bill 498 allowing bottled water to be offered free as an alternative to sugary drinks in fast-food combos, aiming to curb obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The CSS terminated its $9.2M contract with the Alca-Ger consortium for the Boquete polyclinic due to missed deadlines; the consortium appealed to the TACP, suspending the termination.
A 51-year-old man, Luis Castillo, died in a rollover crash in Boquete on March 19, bringing Chiriquí province’s traffic deaths to 14 this year and renewing road safety concerns.
In Seattle, about a dozen people joined a “scream club” — three rounds of group screams that participants say relieved stress from job loss and parenting, leaving some feeling calmer.
Hong Kong launched a three-year weight management plan on World Obesity Day after a health survey found over half of adults are overweight or obese, prompting debate over public-health benefits versus potential stigma.
Meta announced parental administration options for WhatsApp accounts, allowing parents to manage interactions and profiles; psychologists have reacted positively. The move could affect digital parenting practices in Panama.
Health Minister Fernando Boyd announced a convocation for national and foreign medical specialists to address a shortage of professionals, noting the issue is not unique to Panama.
Panamanian experts recommend that parents set device-use schedules and enable parental controls to protect children’s digital wellbeing and support healthy habits.
Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) launched the “Mi compromiso, mi patio limpio” campaign to reduce Aedes aegypti breeding sites and curb dengue transmission through household and community action.
An EIN Presswire release warns that adolescent sexuality remains taboo in Panama, leaving many teenagers without reliable information or trusted support. The note calls attention to the need for open, age‑appropriate guidance.
An EIN Presswire report says adolescent sexuality remains taboo in Panama, creating silence, myths and shame that leave many teens without reliable information or support.
A KFF survey found about 8 in 10 Americans who re-enrolled in ACA marketplace plans say their health care costs rose this year, underscoring affordability concerns.
Silence and misinformation on adolescent sexuality in Panama are linked to rising STI rates, teen pregnancies, and preventable HIV deaths. Experts and youth groups call for comprehensive, early sex education.
Telemetro examines whether Panama’s Día del Hombre falls on 19 March or 19 November, explaining the day’s meaning and stressing its role in promoting men’s health and preventive care.