Changes in law that led to medical strike get Assembly nod

PANAMA’S NATIONAL Assembly gave unanimous approval to the third reading of changes in the draft law 69 covering the hiring of foreign doctors .

The changes followed tough bargaining between striking medical staff and the government and moderated by the Catholic Church and were then fast tracked through the Assembly. They await only publication in the Gazette after signature by President Ricardo Martinelli for the strike Sixty legislators raised their hands to show their support for the

During the debate, Panameñista Deputy José Luis Varela said that while more doctors are needed in the country, it is necessary that hospitals work more efficiently as well.
" Varela said that the strike "has been unnecessary" and was the product of laws imposed, without consultation by the ruling CD.
In the same vein, PRD Member Dale Iracema said that that the spirit of the law should not be only to bring foreign doctors to Panama, but to improve hospitals.
"Laws cannot be imposed in a democratic country…you have to improve the quality of life for all," he said.
Panameñista Legislator Alcibiades Vásquez said that his caucus would support the document,but he hoped that the ruling party had learned a lesson from the events which led up to the document being changed.