According to the newspaper La Prensa, the protests announced for the end of this month are in response to unfulfilled salary promises, as well as the lack of supplies and medicines in the country’s hospitals.

Among the first to raise their voices was the Federation of Resident and Intern Doctors (Fenameri), an organization which demanded better working conditions and a solution to the shortage of supplies.

According to the president of Fenameri, Víctor González, if they do not receive a satisfactory response on August 31st or on September 1st, they will go on a six-hour sit-down strike.

The National Association of Nurses of Panama (ANEP), is another group of professionals denouncing irregularities in the public health system and demanding payment for shifts and working hours, the newspaper reported.

“The patients themselves have come out to demonstrate. Medicines and supplies are needed to provide better care,” the head of ANEP, Elidya Espinosa, said.

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