Closures and demonstrations affect health services in the country, CSS requests humanitarian passage of medicines and ambulances

Health services in the country are being affected due to the closures and demonstrations that have been registered at the national level for a few weeks. The director of the Social Security Fund (CSS), Enrique Lau Cortés, assured that due to the closures they have not been able to bring medicines, food and supplies to the hospitals for the well-being of patients who are at constant risk. “Already this is beginning to threaten patients’ lives,” he said.

He called on the demonstrators who are blocking the way, as he reported that the staff in the Chepo hospital have not been able to get to work because they are not allowed to pass, so that they immediately allow the humanitarian circulation of these staff, of the medications and supplies, so that optimal care can continue to be provided.

Other hospitals that have presented problems are Ezequiel Abadía in Soná, Puerto Armuelles and Bocas del Toro, where in addition to preventing them from passing, they have lowered patients and ambulance personnel.

The director of the CSS emphasized that elective surgeries have decreased, adjustments have been made in medication supplies and other ways of carrying drugs.

“Not allowing it becomes a criminal act, which threatens human life and that has severe consequences; we hope that there is no one to pay for these consequences,” he stressed.