---
title: "Social Security Investigates Missing Medicines in Chiriquí, Adopts SALMI Tracking to Prevent Losses"
date: 2026-03-18
modified: 2026-03-19
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/2026/03/18/chiriqui-medicine-theft-css-investigation/
categories:
  - "Health"
  - "News"
  - "Politics"
tags:
  - "Chiriquí"
  - "CSS"
  - "medicine theft"
  - "Panama"
  - "public health"
  - "SALMI"
---

# Social Security Investigates Missing Medicines in Chiriquí, Adopts SALMI Tracking to Prevent Losses

## What Happened

The Social Security Fund (CSS) has filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office after detecting the alleged theft and loss of medicines in the province of Chiriquí. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the missing medications, which the CSS said directly affect patients and the public health system.

## Official Response

CSS general director Dino Mon Vásquez told legislators during the presentation of the institution’s annual report to the National Assembly that the institution found irregularities in how medicines were being handled and immediately notified prosecutors. “This worries us, as essential medications have been going missing. We are working to identify the leaks and correct errors in the orders,” he said.

## New Controls: SALMI Logistics Platform

To strengthen internal controls and improve traceability, the CSS has implemented the SALMI logistics platform in 32 executing units. According to the institution, the platform improves storage, control, distribution and tracking of medicines by recording every movement, thereby reducing the possibility of internal manipulation.

Mon Vásquez indicated that with SALMI it will be much more difficult to alter records, including by personnel within the institution. The CSS said these stricter controls seek to guarantee proper management of medicines, prevent losses and ensure supplies reach the patients who need them.

## Background and Implications

Losses of essential medicines can disrupt treatment for patients and strain public health services. The CSS has framed the matter as both an operational and criminal concern, moving to pursue legal action while deploying technological measures to curb irregularities. The investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office will seek to determine how and where the breaches occurred and who may be responsible.

Implementing a logistics and traceability system like SALMI is aimed at closing gaps in inventory control and supply chain management. While the CSS has already rolled out the platform in 32 units, the institution’s statements indicate this is part of a broader effort to improve oversight and safeguard medicine supplies across its facilities.

## What This Means

The combined approach—criminal investigation and stronger logistics controls—signals that the CSS is treating missing medicines as a priority issue that affects patient care and institutional integrity. The outcome of the prosecutor’s investigation and how quickly SALMI can be expanded and fully integrated will determine whether these measures reduce future losses and restore confidence in medicine management within the CSS system.