The Ombudsman of Panama has determined that the right to life of a woman deprived of liberty who died at the Cecilia Orillac de Chiari Women's Rehabilitation Center (CEFERE) was violated due to lack of adequate medical treatment for tuberculosis she suffered from. The institution issued a resolution concluding that this person experienced a violation of her rights to health, life, physical integrity, and human dignity as a result of the negligence of the prison authorities.
The investigation was initiated by the Ombudsman, pointing to the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System and the administration of CEFERE as responsible for the lack of timely and adequate medical attention. This incident highlights the precarious health conditions in Panamanian prisons, emphasizing the lack of access to medications, insufficient medical staff, and the indifference of the authorities towards the deteriorating health of inmates.
The Ombudsman has made urgent recommendations to the Penitentiary System and the administration of CEFERE, urging the strengthening of health personnel in prisons and the compliance with protocols established in a ministerial resolution. Additionally, it has reminded the authorities of their responsibility to guarantee the life and dignity of individuals deprived of liberty without excuses.
The penitentiary authorities have not yet commented on this case, which, according to the Ombudsman, could have been avoided with timely medical treatment for the inmate. The institution has warned that it will disclose the results of its investigations and resolutions to highlight irregularities and pressure for urgent changes in the Panamanian penitentiary system.
This incident underscores the humanitarian crisis in Panama's prisons, where overcrowding, lack of medical attention, and state indifference continue to take lives.
