Government tardiness brings protesters onto Panama streets

Lack of Government action to assist some of Panama’s most desperate citizens led again, to traffic jams across Panama city on Thursday, November 11.

Retirees were first on the streets, blocking Via Transistmica from 10 until noon, after government flip flops on pension increases, promised during President Ricardo’s election campaign 18 months ago.
They were followed at 1 p.m. by people poisoned by government cough syrup tainted with dietheline glycol over four years ago. They were supported by relatives of over 150 people who died and hundreds who have developed life long illnesses. No one working for the government at the time has been charged. Demonstrators were calling to demand government action including quality medical care for people who ingested the tainted medicine.
Daniel Sarmiento, vice president of the victims' advocate group Comité de Familiares por el Derecho a la Salud y a la Vida, said the group resorted to a protest because has not received a response from the government. Those affected by the tainted cough syrup needed and specialized care.
He promised further protests if the government continues to ignore their demands.