The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), Panama’s social security fund, has initiated a green alert operation for the upcoming Carnival holidays. The emergency health plan will run from Friday, February 13 at noon through Wednesday, February 18 at 7 a.m., covering the entire festive period.
Approximately six thousand CSS employees are preparing to work during the celebrations. This dedicated workforce includes doctors, health technicians, laboratory staff, and administrative personnel. Officials expect a significant surge in patient demand, particularly within hospital emergency rooms across the country.
Carlos Cerrud, head of the National Department of Emergency Management, outlined the operation’s core objective. He emphasized the need for readiness during the mass movement of citizens to various carnival hotspots.
“We must keep all our executive units, hospitals, and polyclinics operational,” Cerrud stated. [Translated from Spanish] “Our staff in emergency areas need to be on standby to handle the increased patient demand resulting from people traveling to different regions.”
Thirty-two CSS facilities will remain fully operational under the green alert. The list includes fifteen hospitals and seventeen polyclinics. Health authorities selected locations primarily in areas with the highest concentration of carnival events and public gatherings.
Pre-Hospital Care and Ambulance Readiness
For pre-hospital care, the CSS has mobilized fifty-one ambulances. While most units are designated for patient transfers between health facilities, a portion will be on call for specific incidents arising during the festivities. This deployment aims to ensure a rapid response to accidents or health emergencies in crowded public spaces.
The official launch event for the green alert operation is scheduled for Saturday. It will be held at the Emergency Operations Center (COE) in Herrera Province. Despite the Saturday ceremony, the enhanced health service scheme actually begins this Friday afternoon.
Starting services early is a key preventive action. The CSS wants its network fully prepared before the major carnival events begin, safeguarding public health from the first moment of the holiday exodus. This proactive stance addresses the predictable strain on Panama’s seguro social health services during national holidays.
Panama’s Carnival is one of the largest public celebrations in the region. It draws massive crowds to parades, concerts, and street parties. The annual event consistently leads to a higher volume of emergency room visits for issues ranging from dehydration and minor injuries to more serious accidents. The CSS green alert system is a standardized protocol designed to manage these predictable surges without compromising care quality.
Residents and visitors are advised to note the operating facilities in their areas. The CSS also recommends standard safety precautions during the celebrations, including staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and designating sober drivers. The full list of open hospitals and polyclinics is available on the official CSS website for public reference.