Panama, West Panama, November 17, 2025. The Regional Hospital Nicolás A. Solano in West Panama welcomed new specialist doctors from the United States Southern Command on Monday, marking the start of a new phase of international medical cooperation between the two countries.
This integration is part of a cooperation plan developed by the Ministry of Health of Panama (Minsa) and the U.S. government, focused on strengthening healthcare services in several regions of the country. As part of this agreement, Hospital Nicolás A. Solano receives a trauma specialist doctor and a specialized nurse in trauma, who will work for three months supporting trauma management and other clinical areas.
During their visit, the specialists learned about patient flows, work teams, and the areas where they will provide support, facilitating their integration into the hospital system. As part of their incorporation, the visiting doctors took a guided tour of the Emergency Department, where they will be working in the coming months.
Dr. David Rodríguez, medical director of Hospital Nicolás A. Solano, expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of these new specialists and the positive impact they will have on patient care. "For us, it is an honor to receive the doctors from the Southern Command. Furthermore, this exchange of knowledge will enrich our staff and allow us to provide more efficient, humane, and timely care," he said.
Dr. Andrew Shafrin from the Southern Command stated: "I am very excited to be here and to benefit from this collaboration and the exchange of skills and practices." Lic. Julio Arosemena, Secretary General of Minsa, highlighted the relevance of this medical support and the government's commitment to strengthening the network of health services.
"The Ministry of Health is very pleased with the support that the government of the United States has provided through the Southern Command. We deeply thank this joint effort and reaffirm our commitment to excellence and service to the community," stated Arosemena. He also added: "Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo is also very satisfied with this support, and we move forward for the health of all Panamanians."
For Hospital Nicolás A. Solano, this international alliance represents a significant advance for the Panamanian health system, promoting technical exchange and strengthening critical areas of care. The integration of a trauma specialist doctor and a specialized nurse in trauma will provide significant support to the Emergency Department and other priority specialties. This support represents an important step in strengthening our services and in the continuous improvement of the care we provide.
