Panama faces low organ donation rates amid myths and taboos

Organ donation rates in Panama remain low due to misinformation, myths, and social taboos, according to the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS). Régulo Valdés, coordinator of the CSS Transplant Program, reported that out of 20 families interviewed this year regarding potential donors, only four consented to the donation. This occurs even in instances where the deceased had previously expressed a desire to be a donor.

Currently, Panama faces a significant shortage of available organs, with eight patients on waiting lists for liver transplants and approximately 300 awaiting kidney transplants.

To address these challenges, the CSS is developing an agreement with the Tribunal Electoral to provide clearer information to the public and train officials to handle inquiries with sensitivity. Valdés also proposed legal reforms to allow citizens to register their organ donation status at the time they receive their national identity card. Such a measure would ensure that discussions with families following a death are informative and respect the documented wishes of the donor.