Author: spieper
An independent audit of the controversial Donoso mine will conclude by the end of February 2025. Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries confirmed the timeline this week, marking a pivotal moment for a project that has sparked intense national debate over economic development and environmental protection.Alfredo Burgos, the National Director of Mineral Resources at the ministry, stated that the comprehensive review has entered its final phase. He emphasized that the process is adhering to its established technical schedule. The audit’s completion will provide the government with a complete diagnostic of the mine’s current situation, officials said.Burgos explained that the findings…
Panama’s Social Security Fund is conducting an internal investigation after more than 2,300 patients overwhelmed the City of Health facility on Monday, November 24, 2025. The unexpected crowd created long lines and tense scenes as people sought medical appointments for 2026. CSS Director Dino Mon personally intervened to manage the logistics, calling the situation a potential internal sabotage while acknowledging systemic healthcare challenges.The chaos began early Monday morning when patients arrived at the facility after hearing through informal channels that 2026 appointments were opening. Director Mon confirmed the institution never authorized this specific date for scheduling. He attributed the massive…
The Panamanian government has authorized a major national contract for specialized medical waste disposal. The Cabinet Council of Panama approved the direct contract on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.This agreement between the Ministry of Health and the company Construcciones, Limpiezas y Equipo, S.A. totals $20.4 million. It covers a comprehensive 12-month service for the specialized handling of hazardous hospital waste across the country. Officials described the contract as essential for protecting public health and the environment from the dangers of improperly managed medical materials.Securing a Critical Public Health ServiceFive different companies participated in the procurement process with their offers for the…
A national patient federation has formally challenged Panama’s Social Security Fund over a major drug procurement process. The Federation of Associations of Patients with Critical, Chronic and Degenerative Diseases (Fenaeccd) raised alarms about potential safety gaps in the upcoming purchase of biotechnological drugs. The Ministry of Health has now confirmed it is reviewing national regulations governing these complex treatments.The controversy centers on public tender LPU 05-2026, a $84.6 million acquisition of medications scheduled for December. Patient advocates argue the bidding documents lack specific requirements to guarantee the quality and efficacy of the biological products. These drugs are essential for managing…
Panamanian judicial authorities have launched a new public safety campaign targeting a surge in online shopping scams. The Dirección de Investigación Judicial (DIJ) reported a significant increase in complaints linked to fraudulent transactions on social media platforms and unverified websites. This warning comes as more consumers turn to digital marketplaces for their purchases, creating fresh opportunities for criminals.Officials detailed specific precautions that buyers must take to avoid financial loss. Their primary advice focuses on verifying seller identities and choosing secure payment and meeting locations.Do Not Send Advance PaymentsVladimir Gonzalez, head of the Cybercrime Unit at the Judicial Investigation Directorate, emphasized…
The Panamanian government authorized a major aviation purchase this week to strengthen national security operations. The Cabinet Council (Panama) approved the acquisition of two new helicopters for the country’s aeronaval service. Officials allocated more than ten million dollars from an insurance payout linked to a previous aircraft accident.This significant investment aims to restore critical operational capabilities that have diminished due to an aging fleet. The new aircraft will enhance surveillance and rapid response across Panama’s diverse and challenging geography.Funding Sourced from Insurance RecoveryApproval for the purchase came during a session held this Tuesday. The council greenlit an expenditure of $10,490,066,…
The Panama Canal Authority will begin meetings next week with companies interested in bidding on two new port terminal projects. Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez confirmed the schedule as part of the waterway’s broader strategy to diversify its services beyond traditional transits. These port developments represent a significant expansion of the Canal’s logistical capabilities.Vásquez revealed that the meetings for the Corozal and Isla Telfers terminals will start Monday. Multiple Asian companies and firms from other global regions have already expressed interest in participating. The bidding process comes as the Canal reports a seven percent increase in transits during October, demonstrating continued shipping…
A constitutional challenge has been filed against Panama’s recently enacted Law 500, which fundamentally alters the professional requirements for practicing law. Lawyer Julio Fidel Macías presented the lawsuit to the nation’s Supreme Court of Justice just one day after the law was officially published. The legal action seeks to have the statute declared unconstitutional, arguing it dismantles essential professional safeguards.Law 500, sanctioned by the National Assembly and published in the official gazette, eliminates the mandatory national bar exam as a prerequisite for legal practice. This legislative change was pushed through via an override of a presidential veto, setting the stage…
President Jose Raul Mulino’s path to Panama’s presidency faced a constitutional challenge that now involves a notarized record of private communications. The lawyer who filed the lawsuit against Mulino’s candidacy created an 85-page notarized document containing WhatsApp messages about the legal effort. This development comes just days after President Mulino revealed he warned electoral magistrates he would “set the country on fire” if barred from the 2024 election. Karisma Karamañites, the attorney who brought the constitutional challenge, appeared before notary Fabian Ruiz on May 28, 2024, to formalize the document. Her action occurred nearly three weeks after the Supreme Court…
Panama’s Labor Minister, Jackeline Muñoz, expressed confidence that worker and employer representatives will reach a consensus on a new national minimum wage by December 10. The minister made these remarks during a media briefing this week, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue’s peaceful and productive nature. This negotiation process aims to establish a new wage floor that balances worker needs with the economic realities faced by businesses across the country.The formal discussion table has already approved its internal regulations and work schedule. Initial technical meetings included presentations from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Panama), among other government bodies, providing economic statistics…