Panama Debating on
Health System Project
A government project to
create a unique system
of health had a strong
opposition of medical
unions, considering it
opens the doors to
privatization of the
sector.
The subject attracted
the attention of media
and the programs of
debates of radio and
television, with strong
positions found between
opponents and those in
favor of the initiative.
Health Minister Rosario
Turner and the
associations that
participate in the
writing of the text 18
months ago emphatically
assured that it is
prohibited in the
document the
privatization of public
health assistance.
However, COMENENAL
(National Negotiator
Medical Commission)
rejected that
affirmation and
disclosed the
possibility of a
national strike when the
project is presented to
National Assembly of
Deputies.
The form in which it is
written up is
insufficient and opens
the doors to
privatization, COMENENAL
leader Dr Julio Garcia
alerted.
Those organizations fear
that the unification of
the services of the
Ministry of Health and
the Box of the Social
Insurance ends up
undercapitalizing this
last institution.
CONEP (National Council
of Private Company) and
CONATO (National Council
of Organized Workers),
considered
pro-governmental by
other sectors of the
labor movement coincide
to support the project.
The writing of the
proposal will culminate
Friday and its
presentation to
President Martin
Torrijos was programmed
for next Monday.
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