Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has ordered the start of construction for a new oncology hospital at the Ciudad de la Salud. After more than 13 years of unfulfilled promises, the head of state emphasized that the most important thing is to act, not just speak. He stated that the new complex will improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The president shared the story of a woman who told him, "When you enter a place like this, you don't think you're going to die... you think you're going to live!".
Mulino recalled that before taking office, he toured the National Oncology Institute with the First Lady, listening to patients face-to-face. From that day on, he knew that even with limited resources, this reality had to change. The project aims to strengthen oncological care, concentrate outpatient services, and offer modern treatments to patients from all over the country.
Investment in the project exceeds 70 million dollars. Most patients are insured by the Social Security Fund (CSS), and by unifying services, old problems can be solved, Mulino added. The new nine-story building will include over 50 offices, chemotherapy areas, hospitalization, diagnostics, a pharmacy, and even its own parking for patients and staff.
The facility will house a linear accelerator for radiotherapy and will be designed to improve coverage in provinces such as Chiriquí, Los Santos, and Herrera. It is also planned to expand the network to places like Bugaba and La Chorrera, preventing patients from having to travel long distances for treatment. The construction contract is for 29 months, but the company says it could finish in less than 24, perhaps by next October, coinciding with Cancer Awareness Month.
When the new hospital opens, outpatient consultations and chemotherapy will move to Ciudad de la Salud, while Ancón will continue to be active with surgeries and other services. The idea is clear: to alleviate pressure, organize, and provide better care, regardless of whether the patient is insured or not.
