Panama's CSS implements alternative medical sites following earthquake

La Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) has activated alternative locations and provisional structures to ensure medical service continuity for citizens following the earthquake on October 9. While approximately 60 facilities in the national network remain operational under normal conditions, several sites are currently closed or operating with restrictions due to necessary repairs.

In the Azuero region, the Policlínica Dr. Roberto Ramírez de Diego in Chitré is providing services through a climate-controlled field hospital in Parque Forestal and at the Dr. Gustavo Nelson Collado Hospital. To address surgical backlogs, specialists recently performed 55 cataract surgeries during a weekend session at the Dr. Gustavo Nelson Collado Hospital.

Other regional adjustments include: • The Capps de Los Pozos is operating out of a modular hospital. • The Ulaps de Tonosí is utilizing a modular hospital for comprehensive care. • Patients from the Policlínica Presidente Remón are being redirected to other metropolitan facilities. • In Aguadulce, the Hospital Dr. Rafael Estévez is managing emergency services through enabled areas and a modular hospital, while outpatient consultations have moved to the Policlínica Dr. Manuel de Jesús Rojas. • The Hospital Dr. Ezequiel Abadía in Soná has partially reopened outpatient services, and the Policlínica Dr. Horacio Díaz Gómez in Santiago is operating on its ground floor during repairs.