Panama
Medical and Health Information
Panama
Health Notes
Water
in the two main cities, Panama City and Col ón,
is safe to drink. In more rural settings, this is often not the
case. Also, diarrhea is common for travelers who are unaccustomed
to the new diet and water, so bottled water is probably a good
idea, especially if a visitor is not staying long. Wash all vegetables
in a chlorine solution, peel fruits, and avoid uncooked food.
Drink only powdered or tinned milk and avoid other dairy products
since they are most likely unpasteurized. Most fare served in
restaurants is perfectly healthful.
Malaria and yellow fever are more common in rural areas, but
hepatitis and tuberculosis are a major threat everywhere (especially
in poorer areas).
Panama is extremely hot, so take precautions against sunstroke
and heatstroke, drink lots of liquids, and use sunblock when
outdoors.
The
medical system is adequate in larger cities; medical staff
can usually speak English. Costs are as high as in North America,
but private medical services are reliable and modern. Panama
guarantees health care facilities for both nationals and foreign
visitors who may need them. Nevertheless, a travel insurance
package that includes an evacuation policy should be acquired
by all business travelers. Medical evacuation is expensive, and
payment of costs must be borne by the visitor.
Panama Medical Care
Hospital
Punta Paitilla & Clinic/Marbella
Centro
Tel: [507] 269-5222
Hospital
Santo Tomás
Avenida Balboa
Panama City
Tel: [507] 227-4122
Clinica de Especialidades Medicas
Edif. Vallarino, Calle 32 y Avda Cuba
Panama City
Tel: 225-9183
Clinica Nacional
Avda Justo Arosemena
Panama City
Tel: [507] 226-5444
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