Panama has about 300 ambulances nationwide, according to Minsa

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) maintains an operational fleet of approximately 100 to 120 ambulances across the country, according to the ministry. These vehicles are crucial for transporting patients from health centers to hospitals equipped for higher levels of care.

Vicente Oliver Paredes, the national coordinator for Emergencies at Minsa, explained that the fleet is categorized into basic and advanced care ambulances. Basic units are designated for stable patients who do not require emergency medical attention or pre-hospital care during transit. Advanced care units are strategically positioned in hospitals and less complex areas, equipped with specialized life support equipment for patients needing more critical care during transport.

"Panama has the ambulances that are needed; they are not infinite resources, but all health entities combined can provide about 300 ambulances, not counting those in the private sector," Paredes stated. The coordination of patient transfers involves multiple public institutions, including Minsa, the Social Security Fund (CSS), the Fire Department of Panama, and the Single System for Emergency Management (SUME).

While scheduled patient transfers are managed according to the operating hours of each health facility, emergency hospital responses are available around the clock. This collaborative effort ensures that essential ambulance services are accessible nationwide, addressing both routine and urgent medical transport needs.

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Panama has the ambulances that are needed; they are not infinite resources, but all health entities combined can provide about 300 ambulances, not counting those in the private sector.