The Constitution of the Republic of Panama makes it compulsory for the State to ensure that the entire Panamanian population has access to comprehensive prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. The Ministry of Health is the depository of the National Health Authority which is responsible for guiding the health sector. The Social Security Fund (CSS) is responsible for providing assurance and social security and the Ministry of Economy and Finance is responsible for the financial management of the country, including financing of the health sector. The current administration’s main policy objective in the health area is to provide universal access to comprehensive health programs and improve the quality of services so that gaps are reduced, especially as they refer to the economically disadvantaged population.

 Health System Profile of Panama

This third edition of the Health Systems Profile of Panama was elaborated by a group of staff members and policymakers from the Ministry of Health and the PAHO/WHO Office in Panama. Responsibility for the final revision and editing rested with the Health Systems and Services (HSS) of PAHO/WHO, Washington, D.C.

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Panama Country Profile - Health in the Americas, 2007
Link to Panama Ministry of Health
Link to PAHO/WHO country office in Panama