Boquete's Medical Needs: A Look at Minsa’s Plan to Attract Foreign Doctors

As the weather in Boquete transitions from the warm and inviting spring to the cooler, autumn months, so too do the challenges faced by our local health system. One of the pressing issues is the shortage of medical specialists, particularly in cardiology, anesthesiology, and oncology. These specialties are crucial for ensuring the well-being of our community, and the Ministry of Health (Minsa) is exploring the possibility of hiring foreign professionals to fill these critical vacancies.

According to Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minsa is considering this approach as a last resort, with the condition that qualified Panamanian doctors are not available. He confirmed this during a press conference held on September 9, 2026. In the Azuero region, for example, there is only one cardiologist and one anesthesiologist, making the need for additional medical support even more urgent.

The Social Security Fund (CSS) also faces a significant challenge, with 77 vacant positions. Marcos Young, the National Director of Health Services and Benefits at the CSS, points out that this shortage is a systemic issue, affecting the distribution, training, and retention of specialists.

As a local guide and coffee farmer in Chiriquí, I understand the importance of having adequate medical care close to home. The regionalization of oncology services, with new points of care in central and western provinces, including Bugaba, is a step in the right direction. This initiative aims to bring specialized services closer to patients and reduce the need for long trips to the capital.