24 Ambulances for Panama Sume 911: $3 Million Approved by Government

SUME received 3,433 effective calls to the 9-1-1 line during the 2026 Carnivals. The Comptroller General of the Republic approved the purchase of 24 ambulances for the Single System for Prehospital Emergency Management (Sume 911). The total amount is $3 million, intended to strengthen the transport of critically ill patients throughout the country.  The order consists of 18 advanced life support 4×2 ambulances, valued at $2.3 million, and six 4×4 for $720,000.  MPS Latam, SA will be responsible for supplying the vehicles, which will be equipped to handle high-risk emergencies.

Advanced life support ambulances are used for patients whose condition is actually or potentially critical.  They are equipped with specialized equipment, medical supplies, and trained personnel to stabilize the patient while being transported to a hospital.  On January 15th and 16th, Sume 911 scrapped seven ambulances at its Pedregal facilities. According to a report from the Institutional Unit for Heritage Assets, more than 17,000 tons of ferrous material were collected.  This process is in addition to another one carried out in June 2025, when an additional 38 ambulances were scrapped.  Currently, Sume 911 has 31 dispatch points nationwide.

In January, the centers with the most dispatches were Villa Olímpica (712), Atlapa (648), Pan de Azúcar (618), UTP Centenial (613), and Bique, in Arraiján (551).  During that month, 3,232 patients were transferred and 2,830 people received on-site care. There were also 842 canceled appointments and 759 people who refused treatment.  During the recent carnival celebrations, the most frequent emergencies were cases of unconsciousness or fainting (143) and traffic accidents (142). In addition, there were 95 falls, 102 respiratory cases, 20 cardiac problems, and three drownings.