Tug of war over foreign health specialists

THE TUG OF WAR between the Ministry of Health and Panama’s medical community over the hiring of foreign specialist’s seems to be heading towards a stalemate.

Fernando Castañeda, a member of the national medical negotiating commission Comenenal, said Saturday July 13, that officials of the Ministry of Health have an attitude of "contempt" for his organization.

Castañeda said that when he tried to meet with ministry officials on Friday  he was only able to present a letter from the organization to a secretary.
The letter explains the reasons for commission's rejection of the proposed law to ease the restrictions on the hiring of foreign specialists.
Castañeda said that the attitude of Minister of Health Javier Díaz shows a lack of seriousness over the issue of public health.
Members of the commission plan to go to the Assembly Wednesday, July 17 to make their position clear to legislators.
"We reiterate our call to President Ricardo Martinelli and Minister of the Presidency, Roberto Henriquez because we are convinced that through direct communication we can explain what will happen to the health system," Casteñada said. The organization fears that the country will be importing underqualified personnel.

Díaz has defended the proposal, saying there are not enough doctors in Panama to offer services in remote areas.