The rapporteurs of the dialogue for the Social Security Fund (CSS), Francisco Bustamante and Rogelio Gordón, provided a detailed summary of the discussions held in the working groups on the Disability, Old Age, and Death (IVM) program and health services, respectively. Both highlighted key proposals presented by various sectors and the challenges the institution faces to improve its functioning and ensure long-term sustainability.
In the IVM group, Francisco Bustamante reported that 11 organizations agreed to maintain the defined benefit system as the only pension model in Panama. It was proposed that funding for the care of the uninsured population should come from sources other than social security. The proposals discussed so far aim to strengthen the CSS and ensure that health and pension services are sustainable and of quality for the Panamanian population.
The need to strengthen management and supervision to ensure transparency was emphasized, as well as improving investments both in the CSS and in the productive sector of the country. Labour informality was also addressed, and discussions were held on reorganizing public spending and creating new taxes to finance the IVM program and sickness and maternity benefits.
In the health group, Rogelio Gordón provided a detailed analysis of key issues, such as the shortage of medications and supplies. It was agreed to modify Law 51 of 2005 to improve direct purchase mechanisms, and the possibility of resorting to international organizations to facilitate the acquisition of medications was discussed. Implementing international standards to reduce surgical backlog was proposed, and the use of telemedicine to optimize care was mentioned.
Furthermore, coordination between the Ministry of Health and the CSS was proposed, focusing on an integrated system and the unification of health services. Patients emphasized the importance of receiving dignified and timely care, regardless of the institution. In both groups, the consensus was that any system should prioritize patient care and preserve the autonomy of the CSS.
