CSS Honors Nurse María Batista with 2026 Nursing Excellence Award

In Panama City, geriatric nurse María Batista has been honored with the 2026 Nursing Excellence Award, presented by the Social Security Fund (CSS). Batista, a dedicated collaborator at the Dr. José Joaquín Vallarino Polyclinic, received the “Ruth Pérez de Peré” award for her exceptional commitment and service to the elderly.

Since 2012, Batista has spearheaded the third-age care program at the health unit. Her human quality and unwavering dedication to patient care have made her a respected figure within the CSS healthcare system. "Receiving this award was very emotional. It's a recognition that deeply impacts us, because our profession demands dedication and vocation," Batista stated, expressing her gratitude.

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Receiving this award was very emotional. It's a recognition that deeply impacts us, because our profession demands dedication and vocation.

The award celebrates not only her professional achievements but also the profound human connection she fosters with her patients. Jorge Herrera, one of her patients, described her as "a mother to us, with such a sweet demeanor that we feel happy every time she arrives." This sentiment highlights the significant human impact of her work.

Her family also celebrated the award, viewing it as the culmination of years of effort. Her daughters, Marisel, Massiel, and Mariel, emphasized that their mother taught them the value of lifelong learning and serving others. The CSS Board President, Eusebia Calderón de Copete, acknowledged Batista's profound contribution to the well-being of older adults, noting her care extended both within and beyond the institution.

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a mother to us, with such a sweet demeanor that we feel happy every time she arrives.