Panama Health System consists of all the hospitals, health clinics, asylums and public welfare organizations in Panama. Panama has both state run and privately managed hospitals. The health care system in the country is well developed, receiving assistance from the World Health Organization, the US Institute of Inter-American Affairs, the Pan American Sanitary Bureau, the Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, and UNICEF.
History of Panama Health
The chief health threats existent in Panama are yellow fever, malaria, smallpox, typhoid, dysentery, and intestinal parasites. To fight these diseases, the health care system has developed considerably over the recent years in Panama. Panama had 4,434 physicians, 1,397 dentists, and 3,923 registered nurses in 1997, whereas in 1999, there were an approximate 1.7 doctors and 2.2 hospital beds per 1,000 people. In the year 2000, there were approximately 2000 beds in the public hospitals at all levels.
Health Care in Panama
The ministry of Health directs the public
health services in Panama. The programs offered include free of charge health assessments and medical care for the disadvantaged, health education, sanitation check up, hospital and clinic building, and nutrition services.
The
Panama Health System is expected to develop more over the years in future. The total health care expenses in Panama were projected as 7.3% of GDP in 1999.
For more information please log on to the following sites:
