Bill 362.

Summary.

The bill establishes a framework applicable throughout Panama to state institutions, private entities and community organizations for health promotion and the prevention, early diagnosis, control and follow-up of noncommunicable diseases. It identifies diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, obesity and chronic kidney disease among the conditions covered. It defines risk factors, healthy habits, screening and medical surveillance, among other terms. The State would adopt a cross-sector approach involving public bodies and local governments, bring existing rules on these diseases into the proposed framework, and require the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) to provide consultation mechanisms for community groups, patient associations, health professionals and civil society. A national information and surveillance system would combine public and private data, track epidemiological indicators and make information available for decisions, policy design and accountability.

In workplaces, public and private entities would promote preventive screening for their personnel at least once a year, including basic laboratory tests and health measurements. The Ministry of Health would set minimum parameters, technical protocols and oversight procedures. Businesses could arrange screening with authorized facilities, including those of the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social), and help workers meet its cost. Participation would be voluntary: refusal could not result in disciplinary action, dismissal, contractual changes or retaliation. Clinical results would remain confidential, and employers would receive proof of attendance without diagnostic details. The bill would also require workplace plans to promote healthy lifestyles, allow workers to propose health measures and require their cooperation with preventive measures. It provides for state recognition of entities that implement screening programs and voluntary incentives for participating workers.

The Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación), the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Fund, together with other institutions, would conduct continuing campaigns through media and educational institutions. The Ministry of Health would coordinate activities with universities and higher education centers, while the public and private health system would promote continuing training for health workers, public personnel and company staff. The Ministry of Health would lead implementation and promote research with universities and the National Secretariat for Science, Research and Technology (Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Investigación y Tecnología, SENACIT). Agreements, technical committees and shared digital platforms would support institutional coordination.

The bill creates the National Intersectoral Commission for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (Comisión Nacional Intersectorial de Prevención y Control de las Enfermedades No Transmisibles) to advise authorities. Its members would include representatives of the Ministry of Health, Social Security Fund, Ministry of Education, Ministry of the Presidency (Ministerio de la Presidencia), Ministry of Social Development (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social), Ministry of Economy and Finance (Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas), National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación), and Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud), as well as business, municipal, university, professional, nongovernmental and civic representatives. The bill regulates alternates, rotating representation and the absence of additional remuneration for participating public servants. The General Directorate of Public Health (Dirección General de Salud Pública) would adopt the national strategic plan by reasoned resolution and review it every five (5) years. The plan would address risk factors through six (6) cross-cutting areas. The Ministry of Health would submit a public report to the National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional) every three (3) years.

The National Fund for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (Fondo Nacional para la Prevención y Control de las Enfermedades No Transmisibles), administered by the Ministry of Health, would cofinance the measures provided for. It would receive shares of specified taxes and fines, to be defined by regulation after consultation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, together with donations aligned with the bill. Its resources would be used exclusively for prevention and control. The Office of the Comptroller General (Contraloría General de la República), ministry audits and the intersectoral commission would oversee their use. The Ministry of Health would regulate inspections and administrative penalties; the Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) would issue implementing regulations within six (6) months, and the proposed law would take effect upon promulgation. The provisions would concern employers, workers, health providers, educational institutions, patient groups, and the beverage, food and advertising sectors.