Panama Ministry of Health to lease 43 ambulances nationwide

The Ministry of Health of Panama (Minsa) announced a contract to lease 43 ambulances for emergency and urgent patient transport across the country. The 49‑month lease, valued at US$44.2 million, will distribute the vehicles among 14 health regions, with five ambulances each in Coclé, Chiriquí, Los Santos and Veraguas, four in Herrera and Panamá Oeste, three in Bocas del Toro and Colón, and additional units placed in Darién, Ngäbe Buglé, Panamá Metro, San Miguelito, Panamá Este and Panamá Este. The ambulances will be stationed at regional health centers, hospitals and emergency hubs such as the airport in Penonomé and the emergency base in David. The agreement requires providers to guarantee at least 12 months of operation, with a pre‑bid meeting scheduled for 17 August and proposal submissions due 14 September.