Many people have discovered Panama as a retirement destination over the past two decades. An estimated 20,000 and 30,000 Americans live as retirees in Panama. They primarily move to Panama City, but Coronado, Gorgona, and Boquete are also popular. The quality of local healthcare is one important consideration for many when choosing a place to retire. Fortunately for people who want to retire in Panama, the Panamanian healthcare system is among the best in Central America, particularly in Punta Pacifica.
Punta Pacifica is a residential area inside the San Francisco neighborhood in Panama City. It is also a major expat hub. The community is also popular for its ocean views, proximity to Tocumen International Airport, and Panama City’s financial district. Punta Pacifica is also close to shopping, good schools, and entertainment. All expats, not just retirees, should know about Punta Pacifica’s top-tier healthcare facilities.
Quality Health Care in Panama
The quality of Panama’s healthcare is gaining recognition for many reasons. Panama has a growing medical tourism market. One reason for this trend is that care is more affordable than in the US. However, people also recognize that Panama offers high-quality medical treatment. Here are some of the reasons why Panamanian healthcare is so stellar:
- Affordable: One of the reasons for medical tourism is that Panama’s healthcare is less expensive than it is in the US. For many, it is a way to receive treatment while saving money.
- Well-Trained Doctors: Most Panamanian doctors have been educated and trained in the United States. They are as qualified as doctors in the US or Europe. They’re also proficient in English, adding to patients’ comfort level.
- Excellent Private Hospitals: The hospitals in Panama, especially Panama City, are excellent. They have modern equipment, high-end facilities, and internationally trained physicians.
Top Tier Healthcare Facilities in Punta Pacifica
Pacifica Salud
Pacifica Salud is the only Central American hospital affiliated with Johns Hopkins, making it the premier medical facility. It was born out of cooperation between some of Panama’s best doctors and a group of entrepreneurs. Their goal was to provide Panama with the best medical care possible. Its affiliation with Johns Hopkins made that a reality. These connections have also made it a pioneer in medical tourism. They provide similar quality care as hospitals in the United States at much lower cost.
Since opening in 2006, Pacifica Salud has provided top-quality medical care for Punta Pacifica and Panama City. It is Latin America’s most technically advanced hospital, boasting Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation since 2011. Pacifica Salud will provide quality healthcare for expats living in Panama City. It rivals almost anything they could receive in the United States.
Clínica Hospital San Fernando
It isn’t just Pacifica Salud that has affiliations with an American healthcare network. Clínica Hospital San Fernando is affiliated with Miami Children’s Hospital and was the first private hospital in Panama. Founded in 1949, Clínica Hospital was the first to offer Panama residents high-quality healthcare. More than seventy-five years later, it has a strong legacy of providing multiple generations of Panamanians with excellent medical care.
Clínica Hospital was also the first hospital in Panama to receive JCI accreditation. Its popularity causes it to become more crowded than other facilities. For expats, it has the added convenience of an international office for non-Spanish-speaking expats.
Hospital Nacional
Founded as a women’s clinic in 1973, Hospital Nacional has grown into one of the best private hospitals in Panama. It is the go-to facility for pregnancy care. From prenatal care to delivery, Hospital Nacional has built on its roots to become Central America’s finest facility for women’s health. Beyond specializing in maternity care, Hospital Nacional has a top-tier radiology department and an excellent emergency room. They also pride themselves on patient care, with over 100 specialists on staff and a low nurse-to-patient ratio. The hospital is currently renovating to double its size from its current 80 beds.
Hospital Nacional is in Bella Vista. It also has connections with American hospitals. Hospital Nacional is under the management of American Hospital Management Company. It also has affiliations with Kendall Medical Center in Central Florida and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Hospital Paitilla
Hospital Paitilla was the first hospital in Latin America to offer mammograms. Many in the region consider it the most highly regarded oncology department in Panama. The oncology unit has the latest state-of-the-art equipment. It is operated only by a handful of specialists trained in the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Brazil. This hospital is the top choice if you get the terrible news of a cancer diagnosis.
The fantastic oncology department is only one part of the quality healthcare services from Hospital Paitilla. It has units specializing in Endoscopy, Physiotherapy, Radiology, and Maternity, and they have an excellent clinical laboratory for diagnostic support. Hospital Paitilla is affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic. The two hospitals hold annual conferences to update each other on the latest techniques and breakthroughs. Also, all the specialists at Hospital Paitilla completed residencies in the United States, so they’re all proficient in English.
Hospital Santa Fe
Hospital Santa Fe is the closest hospital to the Panama Canal. Consequently, they get a lot of traffic from tourists and cruise ship workers needing medical treatment. It is also a top hospital in the medical tourism sector. They have created medical tourism packages appealing to people seeking medical treatment on par with American hospitals. However, the packages are attractive because they are more affordable than US hospital prices. They also specialize in emergency treatment and preventative care.
The hospital’s founding was in 1984. Like the other hospitals on this list, it is staffed by American-trained, English-speaking doctors and specialists using the latest technology. They can create individual plans and customized solutions to your medical needs. This hospital also has excellent plans for elderly patients, making it attractive for retirees.
The Stem Cell Institute
The Stem Cell Institute has been on the cutting edge of stem cell therapy for over two decades. They are a global leader in stem cell therapy and research. The institute has received international recognition for its high quality of work in its state-of-the-art facility. Their stem cell therapy provides treatment for chronic conditions like autism, autoimmune diseases, cerebral palsy, heart disease, and many others. Stem cell therapy is also effective in treating injuries and providing general wellness.
Chris Hemsworth visited the institute for treatment, and football player George Kittle has also had therapy there. Other celebrities who have taken advantage of the treatment at the Stem Cell Institute include Ozzy Osbourne and Mel Gibson. If stem cell therapy is something you’re interested in, the Stem Cell Institute of Panama is considered a top choice. It provides a quality experience that matches what you can expect from clinics in the United States.
Plentiful Healthcare Options
Are you a retiree looking to move to the tropics? Now that you know about the excellent healthcare options, Panama should be at the top of your list. The Agency Panama is here to assist you when searching for a home in Panama. With our experienced team and local knowledge, navigating the Panama real estate market is a breeze. Click here to learn how we can make your dream of living in the tropics a reality.