Panama, December 19, 2025. - The Ministry of Health (Minsa) informs the public that on December 24, 25, and 31, as well as January 1, emergency departments in first-level health facilities, such as health centers, will remain operational. The objective is to ensure a timely response to any eventualities during the end-of-year celebrations. Dr. Vicente Oliver Paredes, National Coordinator of Emergencies for Minsa, detailed that emergency services at second-level facilities, including the Nicolás A. Solano Hospital in La Chorrera, San Miguel Arcángel in San Miguelito, Luis 'Chicho' Fábrega in Veraguas, Guillermo Sánchez Borbón in Bocas del Toro, Aquilino Tejeira in Penonomé, Regional Hospital Anita Moreno in Las Tablas; as well as third-level facilities like Santo Tomás Hospital, will remain open 24 hours a day. 'Approximately 100 health facilities across the country will be providing emergency and urgent medical services during these holidays,' highlighted Dr. Paredes. Blue Alert. Minsa maintains a Blue Alert in all health facilities nationwide during Christmas (December 24 and 25) and New Year's (December 31 and January 1) to reinforce health services and guarantee efficient, continuous, and timely medical care. Dr. Paredes explained that Minsa uses the Blue or Automatic Alert for events that occur recurrently each year, such as carnivals, Holy Week, and end-of-year festivities. 'Some institutions call it a green alert, but beyond the name, what's important is to understand that it is an alert directed at health institutions, so that they are prepared with the staff, equipment, and supplies necessary to care for the population,' he emphasized. Call for Prevention. The National Coordinator of Emergencies stated that during this period, cases related to excessive food and alcohol consumption increase, which mainly affects patients with hypertension, diabetes, kidney diseases, and other chronic conditions who do not follow medical recommendations. He also warned about an increase in burns in children due to domestic accidents during food preparation, especially from the improper handling of hot liquids. Similarly, he highlighted that excessive alcohol consumption is closely linked to traffic accidents, brawls, domestic violence, injuries from sharp objects, and gunshot wounds. Finally, Dr. Paredes reiterated that Minsa remains ready and prepared with more than 10,000 officials, working in coordination with security forces and other institutions linked to the health sector, and made a call for the responsibility and collaboration of the population to prevent situations that put life and health at risk during the festivities.
