Health services in Panama

The Panamanian Constitution establishes in its article 105, that any person, regardless of their legal status, can access public and private medical services in Panama.

In Panama there are public health care centers in each township (corregimiento), to which refugees and asylum seekers can go. On the internet you can search the list of health care centers and find the one closest to your location.

Health care centers generally provide medical care for general examinations, vaccinations, dental services, gynecology, general medicine, and pediatrics.

It is important to know that care in public health care centers has a cost (US $), and for children up to five (5) years of age, the services are free. In Panama City, the Santo Tomas Hospital (for adults) and the Hospital del Niño (for children and adolescents) treat emergency cases and medical specialties, and in the City of Colón there is the Amador Guerrero Hospital.

Health services are not free, although they are accessible. Refugees and asylum seekers must pay the same costs as Panamanians for such services, without discrimination. If the person is unable to pay, the hospitals’ social work department will conduct an assessment and allow for debt payment in installments, through a payment arrangement. You can continue attending the hospital, even if you have an outstanding debt.

Psychosocial support

Some organizations such as the Panamanian Red Cross, HIAS and RET International, which work with refugees and asylum seekers, provide psychosocial support to improve the comprehensive well-being of their clients. This assistance includes individual, group and family support and orientation sessions with clinical psychology professionals.

In the public health care centers, mental health services are also offered through programs that are directed by professionals in nursing, psychology, psychiatry and social work. Sometimes these programs are free or low-cost.

In Panama there are public health care centers in each township (corregimiento), to which refugees and asylum seekers can go.