Author: spieper

Panama’s Ministry of Health will start distributing medical cannabis products in authorized pharmacies within days. Uriel Pérez, the Director of Pharmacy and Drugs for the Ministry of Health (Minsa), confirmed the rollout this week, marking a major shift in patient access following the country’s 2021 legalization law.The initial phase focuses on non-controlled products containing therapeutic cannabidiol (CBD). These items, including creams, ointments, gummies, syrups, and oils, will be available without a medical prescription. Officials are finalizing the last import procedures to get the products onto shelves.”In the coming days you will have products, mainly those that are not controlled, which…

Panama City’s main bus terminal was already bustling with activity by 6 a.m. on Tuesday as thousands of residents began their journeys to reunite with family for the Christmas holiday. The Albrook National Transportation Terminal witnessed long lines forming for popular routes, with a significant early morning crowd heading to provinces across the country. This mass exodus from the capital marks the start of one of Panama’s most deeply rooted annual traditions.Travelers of all ages, many with suitcases in hand, filled the concourse. Some passengers, having secured their tickets in advance, used their waiting time to grab a coffee before…

Panamanian authorities have confiscated 44,795 packages of illegal drugs since the start of 2025. The National Police of Panama reported the massive seizure this week, detailing a nationwide effort involving nearly 20,000 raids.Officers conducted 19,324 search operations across the country in coordination with prosecutors. These coordinated actions form a central part of the government’s ongoing strategy to disrupt narcotics trafficking routes that utilize Panama’s strategic geographic position.Concealed Compartments and Port InterceptionsThe official report states that traffickers employed sophisticated concealment methods. A significant portion of the illicit cargo was discovered hidden in vehicles with specially constructed false compartments. Other major interceptions…

Portobelo National Park in Panama’s Colon province celebrated its 49th anniversary this week. The protected area, spanning approximately 35,900 hectares, uniquely safeguards a blend of rich historical monuments and vital neotropical ecosystems. Its management model, which combines cultural and natural preservation, remains a pioneering example in Central America. Roughly twenty percent of the park’s territory consists of marine areas. This diverse landscape encompasses tropical forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and beaches that are fundamental to Caribbean biodiversity and local community livelihoods. The park’s core includes the famous Bay of Portobelo, historically celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and strategic…

The Social Security Fund of Panama has issued a renewed and urgent call for medical specialists to fill critical vacancies in the country’s interior regions. The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) made the announcement this week, aiming to ensure timely care for patients and equitable access to health services nationwide.Officials described the hiring of specialists as one of the most pressing immediate challenges facing the public health system. Historical limitations in accessing specialized care continue to plague several provinces, creating significant backlogs in patient treatment.Recruitment Efforts Meet Low ResponseDespite opening formal recruitment processes in compliance with all legal procedures, the…

The Embassy of the United States in Panama has announced two open calls for its 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. These initiatives target Panamanian secondary school teachers and university students, offering fully-funded academic training in the United States for five weeks next summer. The announcements were made public this week, with application deadlines set for early January 2026.These competitive exchanges are designed to strengthen educational capacity and foster mutual understanding. They represent a continued investment in people-to-people ties between the two nations. The programs will be administered by accredited U.S. universities and cover all participant expenses, including…

The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) has declared unemployment, labor informality, and corruption the nation’s most pressing issues heading into 2026. APEDE President Giulia De Sanctis delivered the stark assessment in her year-end review, framing 2025 as a period of intense social tension and complex decisions for Panama.De Sanctis described the past year as feeling like a condensed decade. She argued the country accumulated conflicts, social fractures, and hard lessons within a few short months, a situation she warned must not become normalized.”If something 2025 leaves us with is a shared feeling, we did not live a year, we…

Weekend afternoons in Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo now pulse with a new rhythm. The Plaza de la Catedral, facing the iconic Panama City Cathedral, has become a spontaneous stage for street performers. Musicians from Panama and beyond are drawing crowds of locals and international tourists, creating an impromptu cultural exchange funded by appreciative listeners.This organic transformation of the public square highlights a growing trend of artistic activation in the UNESCO World Heritage site. The music provides a soundtrack for visitors exploring the area’s colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It also offers a vital source of income for the performers…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino led a national tribute on Thursday for a police captain killed in the line of duty. The ceremony honored Captain Jose Isaza Melo, who died on December 12 while serving in the Caimitillo district.The solemn event took place at the headquarters of the National Police of Panama. Captain Isaza Melo had dedicated 25 years of service to the force before his death. Officials reported his passing occurred during active duty operations, though specific details were not immediately released.President Mulino offered condolences directly to the officer’s parents, Jose Isaza and Mireya Melo. The President of Panama…

The National Ballet of Panama concluded its 2025 performance season this week with a celebrated run of the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Every performance sold out, the Ministry of Culture confirmed, cementing the production as a major cultural event. The season’s finale, held in Panama City and Colon, doubled its planned number of shows due to overwhelming public demand.Artistic Director Sasha Adamovic and international choreographer David Makhateli led the production. Makhateli, a former principal dancer with London’s Royal Ballet, created a new staging exclusively for the Panamanian company. His involvement brought a fresh and theatrical vision to the beloved…