Panama City, Panama – The Panamanian Social Security Fund (CSS) has launched the first phase of a new digital platform designed to eliminate long waits at pharmacies. Officials confirmed the rollout of “My Digital Prescription” this week. The system aims to modernize medical care across the country.
Marco Young, the national director of Medical Benefits at the CSS, announced the initiative during a press briefing. He explained that the initial phase focuses on registering and training doctors from both the private sector and the Ministry of Health. The goal is to integrate these medical professionals into the new digital network.
How the Digital Prescription System Works
Doctors will use an online portal to access real-time information about available medications at the CSS. They can then issue electronic prescription directly from their offices. Once a doctor issues the digital script, the patient receives an email containing a QR code.
That email includes the specific location, date, and time for medication pickup. The system removes the need for paper forms and handwritten notes. “What we want is for the patient to have quick access to their medications and avoid the lines and unnecessary procedures at the pharmacies,” Young stated [Translated from Spanish].
“We are eliminating problems like the interpretation of doctors’ handwriting on medical prescriptions. This is a direct solution for our beneficiaries,” Young added [Translated from Spanish].
The CSS expects the registration and training phase to last between 30 and 60 days. Medical professionals must submit their identification, professional qualifications, and specialty certifications through the dedicated portal. The Social Security Fund Panama is prioritizing this digital shift to improve efficiency.
Patients Must Use the My Digital Social Security Platform
Insured patients will access the service through the “My Digital Social Security” platform. This is the same system already used by more than 38,000 people to check lab results. Young noted that this existing digital tool has already reduced the number of in-person visits to CSS facilities.
The integration of the digital prescription system with “My Digital Social Security” means patients can view all their medical orders in one place. The Panama digital health system is moving toward a fully paperless environment. Officials believe this will significantly cut down wait times at pharmacy counters.
Direct benefits include better control over medication dispensing. The CSS can track prescriptions in real time. This prevents duplication and ensures that patients receive the correct dosage.
Robotic Surgery Units Arrive for Specialized Care
During the same announcement, the CSS revealed plans to install three surgical robots. The units will be placed at the City of Health hospital in Panama City, as well as in Chiriquí and Chitré. These robots will handle high-complexity procedures in oncology, gynecology, and general surgery.
The first robot-assisted surgeries could start next week in Panama City. Chiriquí will follow in two to three weeks. The Chitré installation is scheduled for June. The CSS stated that this technology will improve medical attention and strengthen specialist training in interior regions.
Young emphasized that the robots represent a major investment in public health infrastructure. “This allows our specialists to perform precise operations while training the next generation of doctors,” he said [Translated from Spanish]. The combination of digital prescriptions and robotic surgery marks a significant shift for the country’s healthcare system.
Patients who already use the digital lab results system will have a smooth transition to the new prescription service. The CSS is encouraging all beneficiaries to register for “My Digital Box” ahead of the full rollout. For those seeking further details on their Medical Benefits, the official CSS website provides updated information on the registration process.