The general administrator of the Urban and Household Cleaning Authority (AAUD), Ovil Moreno, requested that deputies of the National Assembly of Panama promote the creation of a private insurance for cleaning workers, warning of the dangers that cleaning personnel face while performing their duties on the streets. During his appearance before the Legislative Commission on Labor, Health and Social Development, the official explained that the AAUD's 'little ants' are exposed daily to violence, threats with weapons, and traffic accidents while sweeping and collecting garbage. Moreno recounted that field supervisors have informed him of situations where workers have been threatened with firearms when trying to clean certain areas. 'They go out into the street without weapons... what are we going to defend ourselves with? with the broom and with the picks?' expressed the official when explaining that in those cases, the instruction is to withdraw the staff to prevent their physical integrity from being in danger. According to his details, in addition to insecurity, urban cleaning workers must walk through streets, avenues, and sidewalks with high vehicular traffic, which increases the risk of suffering accidents while performing their functions. Hospitalized worker in critical condition. Moreno's call came after mentioning the case of Mrs. Eusebia, who remains hospitalized in delicate condition, while another worker was injured with head injuries after both were run over by a 'diablo verde' bus. Moreno pointed out that the operational staff faces risks similar to those of other institutions that have special medical coverages, so he asked the deputies to support the initiative. 'We have to go from lamenting to acting,' he expressed when requesting a private medical insurance for cleaning workers, similar to that of the National Police of Panama units, which allows for rapid and efficient medical attention for officials injured in service. Moreno stated that this measure would guarantee better medical attention and support for the families of collaborators who are affected during the performance of their duties.
