Panama

The Need

Healthcare in Panama is provided through a system that includes both the government and a private sector. However, there is an unequal distribution of healthcare services and resources, especially in rural communities. The public health care system also faces a lack of funding, which creates bed and resource shortages. Also, the majority of doctors and health care providers prefer to work in Panama City due to the higher number of patient loads and more economic opportunity.

People who live in rural areas are often unable to access health facilities. As a result, many native Panamanian tribes struggle to live a high-quality and healthy life. Please join International Medical Relief on our medical mission to Panama. This year, we will return to assist the indigenous communities and people living in small villages throughout the country. By helping to implement inaugural programs and continuing to assist the indigenous people, you and the rest of your IMR team will make a lasting impact in Panama.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began partnering with Panama in 2013. Since then, we have responded with nearly 350 volunteers and staff that served more than 6,500 patients. IMR plans to continue our preventative efforts by providing medical relief and to continue the efforts to provide sustainable health services to the community. IMR will continue to provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. IMR strives to provide life-changing medical care to people who do not have reliable access to treatment and help increase the community’s education and knowledge on their own health to improve the overall health of the most vulnerable and underserved communities in Panama.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Each day of clinic will be spent in the heart of a new village, or at a local dump. Community members will be eager to welcome you and receive much-needed treatment and education. According to the World Health Organization, diarrheal diseases, cholera, and pneumonia are affecting the people of Panama, but poverty and lack of potable drinking water make day-to-day life incredibly difficult. During clinic, you can expect to assist entire families that span multiple generations. The services that you provide will range from treatment of rashes, burns, and open wounds to care for tinea, impetigo, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and staph infections.

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because dental pain is common here and all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another main focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen prenatal care knowledge.

On the final day of the trip, the team will stay at a luxurious resort in Panama City and have the opportunity to see the world famous Panama Canal. You will also have the option to take advantage of several excursions, including sportfishing; aerial tram tour of the rainforest; visit to Embera Indigenous Village; Gatun Lake Expedition; River Boat Tour; Night Safari with possible sightings of monkeys, caiman, capybara and two-toed sloths; kayaking on the Panama Canal; or relaxing at the resort.

Lodging/Transportation

Your team will stay at various lodging in different cities and at campsites in the jungle! On this mission, you will experience life in the small villages, so come prepared to share your culture and learn about the traditions that inspire Panama’s indigenous ways of life. IMR will arrange all the transportation to and from clinic sites and your overnight accommodations.

Highlights

The highlight of this mission is serving patients who, without you and your team, would not have access to healthcare and health education. Your patients will mostly be from indigenous families and working communities and will be eager to receive your treatment and kindness. Although the most rewarding and memorable aspect of this trip will be caring for the people of Panama, you will cherish the other memories that you make this week! To help thank you for your tireless dedication to humanitarian aid, IMR has arranged for your team to take a one-day tour of the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Lock Visitors Center. Your team will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most pristine landscapes in Panama, including numerous waterfalls down the countryside.

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see a nearby destination? Many of our previous volunteers have chosen to extend their time in Panama in order to experience more of what this amazing country has to offer!

With time to partake in world-class fishing, kayak through the Panama Canal, take a tram tour of the rainforest or enjoy the Gatun Lake Expedition, this trip extension gives our volunteers an experience of a lifetime. Other highly recommended activities include hiking to Panama’s only volcano, viewing the famous Quetzal at the Parque Nacional Volcan Baru, and searching for the Geoffroy’s tamarin monkey.

To see what opportunities are available to you, please visit the website of our partner, Worldwide Navigators for more information. You can also contact them directly at (970) 633-3033 or travel@worldwidenavigators.com.

Itinerary at a Glance