Progress Update on the New Burn Unit at José Domingo de Obaldía Hospital

Representatives of Fundación Nuevas Rutas recently visited the José Domingo de Obaldía Maternal and Children’s Hospital to review the progress of the Burn Unit renovation and equipment project, an initiative launched through the first Teletón 20-30 held in the Province of Chiriquí.

Four months after this landmark event, the project has achieved significant progress. Dr. Alfredo Montó, Head of the Burn Unit, reported that the permitting phase has been successfully completed and that part of the specialized medical equipment has already arrived in the country and is ready for installation. Renovation work is scheduled to begin at the end of July.

The importance of this project is reflected in the numbers: approximately 30% of all children under the age of 14 treated for burn injuries in Panama receive care at this hospital. Between 2019 and 2022 alone, the hospital treated 3,460 pediatric burn patients, highlighting the urgent need for a modern, fully equipped facility capable of meeting this demand. Once completed, the new Burn Unit will serve patients from the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro, as well as the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca.

“Our solidarity did not end on the day of the Teletón. Our true commitment is to follow every stage of this project and support its development through to completion. We are pleased to know that the permitting phase has been completed and that renovation work is about to begin. As Fundación Nuevas Rutas, we will continue supporting this initiative because we believe that a new Burn Unit will make a real difference in the care and recovery of hundreds of children,” said Bárbara Elorza, representative of Fundación Nuevas Rutas of Puerto Barú in David.

Through this follow-up visit, Fundación Nuevas Rutas reaffirms its commitment to supporting the project through its completion. We believe that modern infrastructure, specialized technology, and improved facilities will make a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of children and their families.