Panama residents demand new health center as current facility deteriorates

Residents of Las Minas in Herrera, Panama, are urgently calling for a new health center, citing the critical state of the current facility. The existing building, which has served the community for over six decades, is plagued by structural and electrical issues that severely restrict its ability to provide adequate medical care.

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Without a laboratory, without dentistry, none of that. This is a situation that worries me, as a resident and citizen of Las Minas. Many elderly people, children, and people with disabilities come here, and it is the only place where residents can receive care most quickly.

Protesters have highlighted the lack of essential services such as a laboratory and dentistry, and expressed deep concern over the safety of patients, particularly the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. The nearest alternative facilities are in Ocú or Los Pozos, forcing many to travel long distances for basic medical attention.

Local authorities, including the mayor of Las Minas, Rubén Ríos, have acknowledged the dilapidated infrastructure. He confirmed that evaluations have been conducted to initiate the process for a new construction project. The ongoing electrical failures, stemming from an outdated system, have been a recurring problem, leading to service disruptions and necessitating the restriction of some medical services.

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There is no hospitalization. If someone is admitted to the room, there could be a fire. Everything is off inside. We are asking the Government and the provincial director not to let this just be announcements for the district. I don't know why they have only sent us a tent for shade here. We don't see any benefit for the population.

Community members feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed, with one resident lamenting the provision of only a temporary tent for shade. They are appealing to national authorities and the provincial director to move beyond mere announcements and expedite the construction of a modern health center that can truly serve the population's needs.

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It is a health center that has already given what it had to give. In recent days, it has had electrical problems. From the first day we took office, the first thing we did was request an evaluation and a survey of this health center to fight for and manage a new project.