Welcome to the Panama Health Insider!

November 4, 2025

A Note from the Editor

In this week’s edition, we prioritize your well-being with a look at the ongoing health preparedness efforts in the region following the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa. We’ll offer a deep dive into why Panama remains a haven from major storm impacts. On the economic front, we highlight some important shifts in the local business landscape. Stay informed with our weekly summary tailored for the expat community in Panama.

Weekly Summary: Keeping You Informed

• 1- Regional Health Preparedness Post-Tropical Storm Melissa The News: Organizations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have been actively monitoring and providing logistical and health support across the Caribbean following Tropical Storm Melissa. While Panama itself may not have been directly hit, the country serves as a vital humanitarian hub, dispatching essential relief items (including health supplies) from the Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in Panama City to affected nations like Jamaica.
• What This Means for You: While the storm didn’t directly impact Panama, the news underscores the importance of personal disaster preparedness, a key consideration for residents in a tropical region. Furthermore, it highlights Panama’s crucial, stable role as a regional center for aid, showcasing its reliable infrastructure even during regional crises.
• Source: IFRC sends first 64 tons of humanitarian aid to Jamaica after the passage of Hurricane Melissa - ReliefWeb

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• 2 - Local Business Layoffs Due to Falling Sales and Taxes The News: A major Panamanian company, Cervecería Nacional, has announced layoffs, citing a significant drop in sales combined with increased taxes on the industry. This is an indicator of underlying pressures in the local consumer market and the impact of fiscal policies on large businesses.
• What This Means for You: This news signals a slowdown in certain sectors of the Panamanian economy. Suppose you are a business owner or planning an investment. In that case, it emphasizes the need for careful market analysis and vigilance regarding changes in local tax laws that can affect business margins and employment.
• Source: Panama Layoffs at Cervecería Nacional are due to Falling Sales and Increased Taxes - La Estrella de Panamá

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• 3 - New Developments in Panama Canal Port Terminals The News: The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has begun a consultation process for the development and potential concession of two new port terminals. This initiative is generating significant interest from international shipping companies and terminal operators.
• What This Means for You: The development of new terminals is a strong sign of continued investment and confidence in Panama’s core logistical economy. This sustained growth is crucial for the overall stability of the country, benefiting the business environment and maintaining Panama’s global strategic importance.
• Source: Panama Canal Begins Process to Select Operator for New Terminals - The Maritime Executive

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• 4 - Green Alert Activated for Panama National Holidays. The News: Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS) has activated a “Green Alert” for the upcoming National Holidays in November (starting with November 1st and 6th). This is a standard measure to increase the readiness of health and emergency services nationwide during periods of high travel and public gatherings.
• What This Means for You: This is a key safety reminder. During the holidays, be aware of increased traffic, especially on routes outside the city, and the heightened status of emergency services. Plan for potential delays and always have your basic health and emergency information accessible.
• Source: Green Alert for Panama National Holidays was Activated by CSS - CSS

Spotlight Analysis – Deep Dive

Recent regional responses to Tropical Storm Melissa serve as a reminder of the annual hurricane season. A crucial distinction for anyone in Panama is its unique geographical advantage: lying outside the main hurricane belt, the country is generally spared from the direct, catastrophic impacts of these major tropical storms.

Crucially, while Panama avoids direct hurricanes, it is certainly affected by the heavy rains they generate elsewhere in the region. Because Panama has many flood-susceptible areas, residents must remain proactive by closely watching alerts from SINAPROC (National Civil Protection System).

This inherent stability makes Panama an ideal, low-risk base for international and regional logistics, as demonstrated by the IFRC using the country to send aid to Jamaica. For expats and investors, the minimal threat of hurricanes—in contrast to many other Caribbean nations—offers a significant layer of security, provided they remain mindful of local flash flood warnings.

Read more about how to get SINAPROC alerts

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Closing Note

We hope this weekly briefing helps you navigate life in Panama with greater confidence. Don't miss out on previous issues for in-depth information on health, finance, and living as an expat in this dynamic country.

Read Previous Editions Here: https://newsletter.panamalifehub.com/

Until next week, stay safe and connected.