Panama’s Public Hospitals Have a Respiratory Crisis

Panama City:  The country’s health situation is facing increasing pressure due to the rise in respiratory illnesses, especially in children and adults, which has led to overcrowding in emergency rooms at both the Social Security Fund (CSS) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA) hospitals. During the budget hearing before the Budget Committee, CSS Director Dino Mon expressed his deep concern about the high demand for medical care in hospitals. He explained that the installed capacity of both institutions is “overdrawn” due to the large number of patients with respiratory conditions.  Today, all hospitals are full with different types of respiratory conditions,” warned Mon, who emphasized that the situation has led to unprecedented collaboration between the CSS and the MINSA (Ministry of Health) to address the health emergency. 

The official noted that the Minister of Health has requested support from the CSS to care for pediatric patients at the Children’s Hospital, given the inability to cope with the high caseload.  Even the minister has asked us, because they are also at 100% capacity, to treat patients at the Children’s Hospital. They can’t keep up with the number of respiratory illnesses they have in children and adults,” he said.  To respond to this crisis, medical and nursing staff has been ordered to work overtime shifts to ensure timely patient care. In support of this measure, a $9.7 million appropriation transfer was approved, which will be specifically allocated to pay for these additional shifts.  Health authorities urge the public to take preventive measures, such as wearing masks indoors, washing hands frequently, and avoiding exposure to sudden temperature changes, especially for children and older adults, who are considered the most vulnerable.