The Ministry of Health (MINSA) of Panama, with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), has launched the National Strategy for Digital Health Transformation, aimed at modernizing the healthcare system through the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT). The strategy seeks to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location or condition, has access to timely and high-quality healthcare services, promoting equity, dignity, and the fundamental right to health.

Key Objectives

1. Enhance Access and Quality: Improve the delivery of timely and efficient healthcare services, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
2. Promote Equity: Address historical gaps in healthcare access through inclusive digital solutions.
3. Optimize Healthcare Management: Streamline operations and decision-making through digitized processes and data.
4. Foster Technological Innovation: Leverage tools like artificial intelligence and telemedicine to modernize healthcare delivery.
5. Empower Citizens: Encourage active patient participation in health management through digital tools.

Development and Implementation

The strategy was presented by Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo and National Director of Health Planning Emma Correa de Crovari, with support from PAHO/WHO, represented by Ana Rivière Cinnamond. It aligns with Panama’s national development goals and international digital health recommendations. Implementation is driven by a multisectoral governance framework, involving collaboration between MINSA, other government entities, the private sector, and international organizations to ensure coordinated and sustainable execution.

Key Components

The strategy is built on five strategic pillars:

1. Governance and Multisectoral Participation: Establish a collaborative framework to ensure coherence and sustainability of digital initiatives.
2. Data and Information Management: Create a National Health Data Space to centralize and secure health information, ensuring ethical and safe use.
3. Technology, Infrastructure, and Interoperability Management: Develop interoperable systems, such as the Electronic Medical Record, to facilitate secure data exchange across institutions.
4. Knowledge Management and Exchange: Train healthcare professionals and citizens to promote digital literacy and adoption.
5. Artificial Intelligence and National Telemedicine Program: Expand telemedicine to reach remote areas and use AI to enhance diagnostics and treatments.

Notable Achievements

• Telemedicine Expansion: Significant growth in providing medical care to thousands in remote areas.
• Electronic Health Records: Digitization of patient records to improve care continuity and operational efficiency.
• Technological Infrastructure: Investments in connectivity and cybersecurity to support digital transformation.

Expected Impact

The strategy aims to transform Panama’s healthcare system into a more accessible, efficient, and inclusive model, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital health. It seeks to bridge access gaps, enhance care quality, and uphold health as a fundamental right, with a focus on innovation and equity.