Private clinics under investigation for selling government medicines

While Panama’s social security system struggles to keep its head above water, 14 private medical clinics are being investigatedsfor the alleged sale of medicines and supplies that came from public health institutions.

A complaint was filed in the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office by Consumer Affairs Director Pedro Meilán.

An investigation conducted by the agency starting in June, revealed the clinics were able to obtain the medicines and supplies from hospitals and other public health institutions, including ones operated by Social Security.

 Boxes of government medical supplies that were obtained at private clinics, some of which were expired medicines were produced as evidence.