# Panama public health administration and planning

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panama-public-health-administration-and-planning
> Updated: 2026-09-24T21:30:00.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3.

The Panamanian Ministry of Health (Minsa) has been engaged in both fiscal planning and interinstitutional coordination to address public health needs.

In September 2026, Minsa presented its 2027 budget proposal to the National Assembly. While the Ministry initially requested B/. 4,650 million, the Ministry of Economy and Finance recommended a reduced amount of B/. 3,844 million. Health Minister Fernando Boyd noted that this reduction could impact priority programs including digital transformation, primary care, and water security. Following required transfers to entities such as the Social Security Fund and the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers, Minsa would retain approximately B/. 1,455.1 million for direct health responsibilities.

During the same month, the National Assembly’s Budget Commission approved three fund transfers totaling B/. 26,100,247.00 for Minsa. These funds include B/. 15,741,487.00 for the Hospital del Niño to cover supplies, payroll, and prosthetics; B/. 8,511,673.00 for sanitation and sewage projects in Burunga Este, Burunga, and Arraiján cabecera; and B/. 1,846,997.00 for overdue extraordinary shifts worked by staff in mid-2026. Acting Health Minister Manuel Zambrano emphasized that “health is an investment, not an expense,” noting that prioritizing social spending is essential to strengthen primary care.

Concurrently, Minsa and the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) continue to implement the 2024-2030 Interinstitutional Work Plan. Recent evaluations of this plan focus on the ‘Health Promoting Schools’ methodological guide, which integrates nutrition, vaccination, and water tank cleaning protocols into schools, alongside strengthening mental health services through psychopedagogical cabinets.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Senacyt requests $17 million budget increase for Panama research

Senacyt is requesting a $17.1 million budget increase for 2027 to prevent researcher layoffs and center closures in Panama, while the Ministry of Health secures funds for medical staff overtime.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-national-assembly-approves-b-261-million-for-ministry-of-health

### 2026-09-16: Panama health and education ministries coordinate school wellness strategies

Panama's health and education ministries are coordinating the 2024-2030 Interinstitutional Work Plan to integrate public health, nutrition, and mental health services into the national school system.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-health-and-education-ministries-coordinate-school-wellness-strategies

### 2026-09-10: Panama Ministry of Health presents 2027 budget proposal

Panama's Ministry of Health presented a 2027 budget proposal of B/. 3,844 million to the National Assembly, following a B/. 806 million reduction from its initial request.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-ministry-of-health-presents-2027-budget-proposal

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Cite as: Panama public health administration and planning. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panama-public-health-administration-and-planning