In its usual weekend statement, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (Cciap) said that the appointment of the new director of the CSS, Dino Mon, once again places the Government before the challenge of resolving the structural problems of an institution that is crucial for the well-being of more than three million people.
For the Cciap, the last two administrations evaded the complex situation that they describe as a repetitive cycle of crises and partial solutions, which indicates the urgency of addressing it in a comprehensive manner.
Historically, CSS reforms have mainly relied on requesting more sacrifices from the insured, either through parametric adjustments such as increasing the retirement age or reducing benefits, the group warned.
However, even though the discussion on the sustainability of the Disability, Old Age and Death (IVM) program is mandatory and urgent, this limited strategy has proven to be insufficient and, in many cases, has exacerbated distrust and discontent among the insured, the message adds.
For the Cciap, the solution cannot focus solely on increasing the burdens on the insured and it is vital that everyone makes sacrifices.
The insured deserve quality, accessible and efficient medical care. This is not a luxury, it is a right. Long waits, lack of medicines and inefficiency in the provision of services not only affect the health of citizens, but also undermine confidence in the institution, indicated the Cciap.
On this subject, unions and popular movements have denounced that the first measures announced by the Government of José Raúl Mulino to address the future of social security would be associated with old privatization policies of the only state entity that cares for retirees and pensioners.
The economist and former presidential candidate Maribel Gordón announced that next Saturday the groups will debate at the University of Panama actions against these designations and announcements of parametric measures such as increasing the retirement age and raising the employer-employee contributions.
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