Panama acts as the dividing line between Central and South America. Famous for the Panama Canal, its economy relies heavily on global trade. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted Panama as international trade and travel drastically decreased. Limited use of the canal has stunted economic growth leaving many individuals without a consistent source of revenue.

As a result of pandemic conditions, the already prominent income gap between social classes has widened even more. In this circumstance, addressing the issue of healthcare inequality in Panama is crucial. Public hospitals, dealing with higher patient volumes, often have fewer specialists and face shortages of vital medications, making access to care more difficult. The strain on Panama’s healthcare system, especially its public hospitals, has escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, out-of-pocket healthcare costs are escalating. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Panama’s healthcare system is ranked 95th out of 191 registered countries.

In response to these challenges, HXP Builders will be adding an extension to a current school. These new rooms will accommodate needs for an additional 50 students; therefore enhancing learning & engagement. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to address the educational needs of the community in light of the ongoing economic and health challenges.

Source: World Health Organization