24/7 Hours at Health Centers is Being Evaluated by Minsa: Implementation will not be Immediate
The Minister of Health explained that providing 24/7 care at Ministry of Health centers requires technical analysis and a budget. He also announced investments in Azuero.
During a visit to the Torrijos Carter Health Center, Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo stated that the implementation of extended hours at Ministry of Health (Minsa) facilities will not be immediate, despite the recent legislative approval. The official explained that before implementing the measure, a technical and budgetary analysis is necessary to ensure its viability. Boyd explained that aspects such as staff availability, the operational capacity of the centers, and economic resources are key to advancing the extension of hours.
“24/7 operation requires planning, staff, and budget. We are going to strategically define where it is viable to implement it,” he said. He also stated that the Ministry of Health will prioritize areas with the highest demand for care to begin this process. The minister also reported that security measures have been strengthened at facilities such as the Torrijos Carter Health Center, in coordination with the National Police. He acknowledged that security remains a challenge, especially at night, due to factors such as crime and the presence of gangs.
