Comptroller inspects Colón polyclinic lacking air conditioning for over five months

Colón, Panama – Comptroller General Anel Flores inspected public facilities in Colón province, focusing on infrastructure projects and the condition of public installations. Among the sites visited was the polyclinic of the Social Security Fund in Nuevo San Juan, which has been operating without air conditioning for more than five months, causing significant problems for patients and medical personnel.

Flores met with the facility's medical director to understand the measures being taken to address the issue. He was informed that repairs are underway, with temporary solutions being implemented while a new air conditioning unit is acquired. The polyclinic, which is seven years old, has apparently suffered from a lack of maintenance, leading to the current critical situation.

“

Well, they tell me that a team is already working; they are doing some temporary repairs while they get, they buy a new unit. The health center is already seven years old; perhaps maintenance has been lacking, but well, the result is the same. The air conditioners need to be repaired, they need to be put to work.

The comptroller emphasized the high demand for medical services at the polyclinic, noting that approximately six thousand people are treated daily in the emergency room alone. He stressed the importance of functioning air conditioning, especially given the region's heat, for the comfort and well-being of both patients and staff.

Flores also stated his intention to follow up on other ongoing projects in the province, ensuring that contractors fulfill their commitments. This includes various sports facilities, roads, and housing developments, such as the Alto de Los Lagos project, which is nearing completion.

“

The polyclinic, yes, is very well made, it is very well built and, obviously, there is a large influx of people who, for example, told me that there are six thousand people being treated daily, only in the emergency room. That is an important number of patients and, obviously, the air conditioning is very important in our heat.