Against this background, the «Doctors with Heart» program was born, bringing together the First Lady's Office and the Social Security System (CSS) to tackle one of the oldest problems in the health system. The initiative aims to add volunteer specialist doctors to shoulder the surgical backlog that currently has thousands of insured patients going through appointments, paperwork, and broken promises. These doctors do not work for a salary or applause, but out of conviction. This time, the message was direct: there is a lack of surgeries, a lack of specialists, and patients are tired of waiting. Tired of not being able to function, but also of not being able to hug, » they stated, thanking those who have already signed up and calling on more specialists to take the step. The goal is clear: less waiting, more surgeries, and more humane care. That is why the program focuses on medical and surgical missions using CSS's own infrastructure, where it is most needed. During the launch, the symbolic vest was presented to Maricel Cohen de Mulino, First Lady of the Republic, accompanied by President José Raúl Mulino. «It is not an obligation nor a recognition. If promises are kept, 'Doctors with Heart' could become a real breath of fresh air for thousands of Panamanians who are still counting the days on a waiting list. In the face of this, the program bets on human resources as the key. It is a reality driven by a shortage of specialists, high demand, and limitations on working overtime. It is about giving time, knowledge, and experience, because a consultation or surgery can change someone's life, » he said. The surgical backlog is no secret. It was not just another act or an empty commitment. Doctors who want to join can register directly at the link enabled by the CSS: https://medicos.css.gob/.
