Santo Tomas Dialysis Patients Relocated as Panama Protects Continuity of Care
PANAMA CITY, October 13, 2026 — Panama’s health authorities say 405 dialysis patients associated with Santo Tomas Hospital have been relocated to alternate areas so treatment can continue safely while the hospital’s affected spaces are assessed and restored after the earthquake.
The arrangement highlights a central challenge of disaster recovery: patients with time-sensitive medical needs cannot simply wait for a building-wide return to normal. Authorities must maintain treatment while technical staff determine which areas can be used safely.
Continuity of treatment remains the priority
The government reported that dialysis patients were moved to different rooms in order to receive care efficiently and with dignity. Officials said an inspected section of Santo Tomas Hospital had not suffered structural damage and would be able to resume operation in that area.
For renal patients, continuity matters because treatment schedules are medically important. The recovery plan therefore focuses not only on repairing facilities but also on keeping services available while those repairs and safety reviews take place.
What the broader hospital response shows
The decision to relocate patients rather than suspend care is part of a wider effort to make hospital recovery gradual and evidence-led. Health authorities have said patients should return to hospital areas once professionals have inspected them and authorized their use. Until then, transfers and temporary arrangements are used to reduce risk and avoid interrupting essential care.
Officials have also emphasized that patients and families should follow direct instructions from healthcare providers. A general news update cannot replace a hospital’s specific guidance about appointment locations, treatment times or entry routes.
Support for patients and families
Anyone receiving dialysis or other ongoing hospital treatment should verify the latest arrangements with the hospital or responsible health authority before traveling. Families can help by sharing only confirmed information and by avoiding unverified claims about closures or service interruptions.
Panama Now Online will continue to report official updates on hospital recovery and patient access as they are released.
Source: Presidency of Panama
