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Patients requiring dialysis increased by up to 4.5% in one year, according to the Social Security Fund
🇵🇦 Panama /Health & Science

Patients requiring dialysis increased by up to 4.5% in one year, according to the Social Security Fund

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy in Panama has increased by 4% to 4.5% between 2024 and 2025.
  • The head of Renal Replacement Therapy at the CSS noted a high incidence of chronic kidney disease, though the mortality rate is comparable to the region.
  • Specialists emphasized the importance of early prevention through annual check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices starting from age 20.

Panama is experiencing a significant rise in patients needing kidney dialysis, with the number of individuals requiring renal replacement therapy increasing by 4% to 4.5% between 2024 and 2025. These figures were released by the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) during the Congress of Nephrology and Hypertension in Panama.

Yes, there has been growth. Between 2024 and 2025, there was an increase of about 4%, 4.5% of patients.

— Francisco VargasConfirming the rise in patients needing renal replacement therapy.

Francisco Vargas, head of Renal Replacement Therapy at the CSS, confirmed the growing population requiring these treatments. He noted that last year, approximately 150,000 patients with chronic kidney disease who were not yet receiving replacement therapy were treated, a number he described as substantial. While Vargas stated that Panama's mortality rate for kidney disease is not high and is similar to the regional average, he highlighted an "impressive" incidence rate. He estimated that the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Panama could be around 14%, aligning with regional figures.

During the congress, specialists stressed the critical need for annual medical check-ups to detect conditions that can lead to kidney damage early on. Nephrologist Jermaine Tomlinson warned against delaying preventive measures until health problems arise or after the age of 40. "I don't have to wait until I'm 40 or 50 years old to start having a better lifestyle. I have to start that from when I'm 20," Tomlinson advised.

We have a mortality rate that is not high, it is very similar to the region, tending towards low, which means that the prevalent cases remain longer, but an incidence that is impressive.

— Francisco VargasDescribing the dynamics of chronic kidney disease in Panama.

Tomlinson recommended consistent annual medical check-ups, adequate water intake, reduced salt consumption, avoidance of highly processed foods, and regular physical activity as key preventive measures. The Congress of Nephrology and Hypertension, running from July 25 to July 27, serves as a platform for specialists to discuss the increase in kidney diseases and strategies to enhance prevention and treatment efforts.

I don't have to wait until I'm 40 or 50 years old to start having a better lifestyle. I have to start that from when I'm 20.

— Jermaine TomlinsonEmphasizing the importance of early lifestyle changes for kidney health.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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