Updates on public health, medical research, and healthcare services in Panama. Stories include policy changes, outbreaks, and practical health advice.
At Nicolás Solano Hospital, some patients spend birthdays in their beds after being abandoned by family. Nursing staff often become their only source of care and companionship.
Lawmaker Betserai Richards denounced a critical situation involving hospitalized patients at the Hospital Irma de Lourdes Tzanetatos. His comments have renewed scrutiny of public hospital care in Panama.
Panama’s Health Ministry is monitoring contacts linked to two imported measles cases as part of its epidemiological surveillance response. The follow-up aims to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.
Panama’s government says repairs are underway on water pipes in Azuero as Herrera and Los Santos residents remain without safe tap water. Minister Juan Carlos Orillac urged patience while crews work to restore service.
Panama’s vaccine innovation center in Clayton is more than 80% equipped and preparing to begin operations in June. The project aims to boost regional biotech capacity and strengthen health sovereignty after lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Antai fined Arraiján mayor Stefany Peñalba over ethics violations tied to family members on the payroll. Meanwhile, lawmakers inspected major public hospitals and highlighted delays, breakdowns, and neglect.
Acodeco confiscated more than 600 pounds of spoiled chicken from a business in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro. The seizure was part of consumer protection efforts aimed at keeping unsafe food off the market.
The CSS accused lawmakers Betserai Richards and José Pérez Barboni of entering hospitals with megaphones in an abrupt and disruptive manner. The episode highlights tensions between political protest and the need for calm in health facilities.
Veraguas has tightened epidemiological surveillance and expanded vaccination efforts after an imported measles case. Health teams are targeting busy public spaces, including transport terminals and Santa Catalina beach.
Panama’s Health Ministry announced new nursing posts nationwide to reduce workload pressure and support public health services. The move was unveiled on International Nurses Day 2026.
Panama’s Health Ministry announced new nursing posts to help reduce workload pressure on nurses during International Nurses Day 2026. The move is intended to support public health services and ease strain on frontline staff.
MINSA is calling on residents in Panama to get vaccinated against measles, as part of ongoing public health prevention efforts. The immunization program is urging people to visit vaccination points and keep their protection current.
CSS has rejected political campaigning inside hospitals while addressing concerns around the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetato hospital. The agency says health facilities must stay focused on patient care and operate apart from partisan activity.
Tocumen Airport has tightened biosecurity after Panama confirmed two imported measles cases. The move aims to protect the thousands of travelers who pass through the terminal each day.
CSS rejected political campaigning inside hospitals and clarified the situation at the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetato hospital. The institution said it is addressing health system deficiencies gradually and responsibly with available resources.
The CSS will transfer surgical patients from Irma Tzanetatos Hospital to Ciudad de la Salud as it works to address hospital deficiencies. The move is part of a gradual effort to protect continuity of care in Panama’s public health system.
Acodeco detected spoiled and expired products during inspections in Bocas del Toro and the Ngäbe Buglé comarca. One of the most serious cases involved a citizen complaint in Changuinola’s Finca 4 area.
Panama’s Health Ministry is urging residents to get vaccinated against measles after two imported cases were detected. Officials say 276,000 doses are available in health centers nationwide.
Chiriquí has strengthened health surveillance amid a measles alert in Panama, while doctors have ruled out positive cases so far. The Ministry of Health is urging residents to verify their vaccination records at local health centers.
The University of Panama has suspended the request for mental health certificates in educational and labor procedures. The move could affect how other institutions in Panama handle sensitive health documentation.