New oncology unit in Bugaba at 55% completion, expected to finish in December

Construction of a new oncology unit at the Hospital José Félix Espinosa in Bugaba, Chiriquí, has reached the halfway mark, with 55% of the project complete. Officials anticipate the facility will be fully operational by December, significantly enhancing cancer treatment accessibility for residents of Chiriquí and western Panama.

The new unit is designed to provide comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis and treatment, directly within the region. This will alleviate the burden on patients who previously had to travel to Panama City for specialized services. Julio Javier Santamaría, director of the National Oncology Institute (ION), explained that specialists are actively involved in evaluating the infrastructure to ensure it meets the highest standards for patient care.

Unlike other regional facilities that primarily offer chemotherapy, the Bugaba unit will be equipped for both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This dual capability aims to provide more complete care closer to home, complementing the services available at the ION's main center in Panama City. The project also emphasizes the importance of strengthening cancer prevention and early detection strategies.

To further expand access, the ION is exploring initiatives such as telemedicine and specialized oncology clinics. These strategies aim to increase the capacity for cancer care across different regions of the country, addressing the need for more specialists and improved outreach. The development in Bugaba represents a significant step toward decentralizing advanced medical services and improving health outcomes for cancer patients throughout Panama.

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in this new unit patients will be able to receive diagnosis and treatment.