**Panama Implements New Medical Certificate Verification to Combat Fraud**
PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panamanian Ministry of Health (Minsa) has enacted a new executive decree establishing a strict verification procedure for medical sick leave certificates, effective August 11, 2025. The regulation, Decreto Ejecutivo N.° 17 de 2025, aims to combat the proliferation of fraudulent medical certificates that have caused significant administrative and labor issues nationwide. This policy shift mandates that certificates must accurately reflect patient care and be issued only after an in-person evaluation by the treating physician.
The government’s decisive action targets a long-standing problem of false or unjustified sick leave. Officials state that the new framework is designed to restore integrity to the medical certification process. It introduces robust mechanisms for authenticity checks and imposes severe penalties on healthcare professionals who issue inaccurate documents.
New Verification Procedures and Physician Accountability
Under the newly implemented rules, the process for obtaining a medical certificate of incapacity is now more rigorous. The decree explicitly requires that the certifying professional must have evaluated the patient directly and personally at a medical facility. The certificate must faithfully document the medical care provided and the justification for the sick leave.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the legal and ethical weight of the physician’s signature. The professional acts as a witness to the patient’s health status, and their signature serves as formal testimony to authorities. This places the responsibility squarely on the healthcare provider to ensure absolute accuracy.
“The certifying physician acts as a witness to the patient’s health, and their signature constitutes testimony before the authorities.” states the official decree, highlighting the legal gravity of the document.
Should an investigation prove that a certificate’s content does not align with reality, the issuing professional could face administrative, civil, or even criminal sanctions as prescribed by Panamanian law. This clear statement of consequences is a central pillar of the government’s strategy to deter fraud.
Centralized Oversight by the Ministry of Health
To enforce these standards, the Minsa has designated the Dirección General de Salud Pública as the central authority for verifying the authenticity of medical certificates. This body will conduct audits and investigations when irregularities are suspected or when a formal request is made by an institution, such as an employer or a government agency like the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS).
The decree also addresses concerns about the excessive issuance of sick leave, noting that a pattern of unwarranted certificates can cast doubt on their veracity and damage the overall credibility of the healthcare system. The policy firmly reinforces the in-person patient assessment as an indispensable requirement.
According to the official publication, the ministry promotes “la evaluación presencial del paciente como requisito indispensable para otorgar este tipo de certificados.”
This move is expected to streamline the process for employers and insurers to validate medical leave, reducing disputes and administrative bottlenecks. The Panamanian Ministry of Health provides official resources and documentation related to the decree.
Impact on Public Health and Labor Administration
The immediate impact of Decree N.° 17 is a significant tightening of controls within the national health system. By protecting the integrity of medical certificates, the government aims to safeguard public health resources and ensure they are available for legitimate needs. The measure also seeks to create a more level playing field in the labor market, preventing abuse that disadvantages employers and honest employees.
This reform is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and control within Panama’s public institutions. For further context on labor and social security regulations, the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) website offers related information. The successful implementation of this verification system is anticipated to reduce costs associated with fraudulent sick leave and bolster trust in medical and administrative processes across Panama.