The National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs is an administrative body of the Ministry of Health of Panama. Recently, pharmacists in the country have expressed their disagreement with the statements made by the President of the Republic, in which he referred to them as "mafiosos." This statement has sparked a strong reaction in the pharmaceutical community, which demands respect and recognition for their work in such challenging times as the current ones.
In the words of the National Association of Pharmacies, they express their rejection of being stigmatized in this way, as their work is fundamental to the country's health system. They also call on the President to retract his statements and recognize the important role that pharmacy professionals play in the current pandemic context.
This controversy has generated a debate in Panamanian society about the importance of valuing the work of pharmacists, who strive day by day to ensure the population has access to the necessary medications for their well-being. Pharmacists have reaffirmed their commitment to the health of citizens and have asked for recognition of their dedication and professional ethics, dissociating themselves from any negative connotation.
Amid this controversy, a constructive dialogue is expected between the Government and the representatives of the pharmaceutical guild to resolve this misunderstanding and strengthen the relationship in favor of a more robust and respectful health system for all involved parties.
