New CSS Hemodialysis Unit Expands Capital's Treatment Capacity

Panama City, Panama - The Social Security Fund (CSS) has inaugurated a modern hemodialysis unit in Calidonia, significantly expanding its capacity to treat patients with chronic kidney disease. The new facility, located in the former Renta 5 building, houses 27 state-of-the-art machines and is set to operate in three daily shifts, aiming to serve around 150 patients.

During the opening ceremony, CSS Director General Dino Mon Vásquez emphasized the institution's commitment to patient-centered care, aligning with President José Raúl Mulino's directive. "Putting the patient first means improving facilities, renewing equipment, guaranteeing medicines and supplies, strengthening staff training, and offering care that is not only scientific, professional, and safe, but also close, respectful, and humane," Vásquez stated.

The new unit is designed for enhanced comfort, safety, and efficiency. It will also facilitate the transfer of patients from the Metro 3 hemodialysis unit at Santo Tomás Hospital, thereby strengthening the CSS's operational capabilities. Treatments will be distributed across weekdays and Saturdays, with an estimated 25 patients per shift.

This opening is a key component of a national strategy to fortify the country's renal care network. The CSS plans to launch another hemodialysis unit in Chiriquí province this Friday. The overall project involves an investment of $178 million for constructing and equipping new hemodialysis rooms across Panama, including the installation of approximately 500 machines. Future units are also planned for various other regions.

The expansion addresses a sustained increase in patients requiring renal replacement therapy. Between December 2024 and April 2026, the number of CSS patients on hemodialysis rose by 161, an increase of over 7%. Currently, hemodialysis treats four out of every five patients needing renal replacement therapy, largely driven by the rise in chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

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Putting the patient first means improving facilities, renewing equipment, guaranteeing medicines and supplies, strengthening staff training, and offering care that is not only scientific, professional, and safe, but also close, respectful, and humane.