24/7 Police Surveillance Implemented at Panama Health Center Amid Crime Concerns

The Policentro de San Isidro in Panama's San Miguelito district has become the nation's first public health facility to operate under a "Vigilant Medical Center" strategy, introducing 24/7 police surveillance to combat persistent criminal incidents. This operational shift aims to bolster both internal and perimeter security at healthcare sites, responding to a rise in crime affecting these areas.

The core of the initiative involves the permanent deployment of National Police officers within the facility. This ensures immediate response capabilities for any unforeseen events or disturbances that could compromise the safety of patients and medical staff. Algis Torres, the regional director of Health for San Miguelito, highlighted the technological and operational mechanisms supporting the project, emphasizing the crucial difference of having police on-site for rapid intervention.

A continuous communication network, utilizing instant messaging, phone links, and video surveillance systems, is in place. This setup allows for automated dispatch of public security forces to the center during complex incidents. Given that the Policentro operates around the clock and experiences a higher incidence of violence-related issues, such as shootings, thefts, and robberies, after 10 p.m., it also serves as a collection and referral point for patients from nearby areas like the Cerro Batea Health Center.

Authorities plan to progressively extend this comprehensive security model to other healthcare complexes in San Miguelito that exhibit similar vulnerabilities. The Torrijos Carter Health Center is identified as a priority for adopting this permanent surveillance and coordinated monitoring system to mitigate the impact of local crime on emergency rooms in the region.

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the main difference lies in having permanent police officers on site for any unforeseen event.