Medication search becomes an ordeal for CSS patients

Obtaining prescription medications has become a complicated journey for some patients of Panama's Social Security Fund (CSS). Many report having to travel between different medical facilities due to a lack of available drugs. One patient, Sonia, had to travel over 10 kilometers to the Policlínica Presidente Remón in Santa Ana to find irbesartan, a basic medication. "The medicines run out very quickly. We have to come all the way here for medicines that are not available," she said, having traveled from Arraiján.

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The medicines run out very quickly. We have to come all the way here for medicines that are not available.

Her experience mirrors complaints from other users who describe the search for necessary treatments within CSS facilities as a "viacrucis," or ordeal. One patient recounted waiting nearly three hours to get Fucidin, stating, "I've been at the Social Security since 10:00 a.m."

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I've been at the Social Security since 10:00 a.m.

However, some patients noted they have successfully obtained their medications without significant issues at the pharmacy on Calle 17. "I always get my medications here," one user affirmed. While experiences vary, patients agree on the need for consistently stocked pharmacies and clear communication when a medication is unavailable. This would help them know where to find it and prevent unnecessary trips.

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I always get my medications here.