Panama

Monday March 12, 2012: I worked in the women health section at the Policlinica de Chitre.  I assisted with Pap smears and communicated with the women about STDs. I learned from the nurses that it is a mandatory law that patients receive treatment for STDs. The nurse at the clinic went to the community and referred women who had given birth within a 6 months time frame to receive pap smears. I also learned that healthcare is available for all citizens.  Healthcare cost for patients without insurance is only a dollar. I was amazed at how the nurses and patients were able to communicate with me even though there was a language barrier. Sacha