U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera visited the Luis ‘Chicho’ Fábrega Hospital in Santiago de Veraguas to observe a cataract surgery mission organized through cooperation between the U.S. Southern Command and Panama’s Ministry of Health. He was joined by Maricel Cohen de Mulino, First Lady of Panama, and Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health.
The medical initiative runs from August 27 to September 11 and aims to perform nearly 250 cataract surgeries, five pterygium surgeries, and one cornea transplant for patients from various regions including Veraguas, Coclé, Chiriquí, Herrera, Los Santos, and the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca. These procedures are intended to restore vision for individuals who have suffered from impaired eyesight for extended periods.
This effort is part of the U.S. Southern Command’s Humanitarian Assistance Program, which has invested about $10 million in Panama since 2013. The current operation marks the thirteenth ophthalmological mission in the country and has benefited more than 2,000 Panamanians over its history.
“Each surgery represents a new opportunity for patients to return to work, study, and enjoy life – contributing to their families and their communities,” said Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera. “This mission is as a result of our expanded security cooperation to continue working alongside Panamanians to improve lives and promote prosperity, strengthening the ties between the United States and Panama.”
The First Lady of Panama highlighted the collaborative aspect: “Together with U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Task Force–Bravo, we are taking a landmark step in the fight against preventable blindness in Panama. This initiative is driven by a deeply human purpose: to bring back the light of hope to thousands of Panamanians awaiting surgery to regain their sight and, with it, the chance to live more fully. Today we affirm that when we join forces, we can restore clarity, hope, and confidence to those who need it most.”
A team comprising 27 doctors, nurses, technicians from branches of the U.S. military along with civilian volunteers worked together with local hospital staff during this mission. The Penonomé Lions Club contributed by donating 50 surgical kits.
During his time in Veraguas, Ambassador Cabrera also met with Hidelmarta Riera (Governor of Veraguas) and Eric Jaén (Mayor of Santiago). He toured Minor Basilica Jesús Nazareno de Atalaya with parish priest Marcelino González and discussed ongoing collaboration on safety and prosperity issues with legislators Ronald De Gracia and Julio De La Guardia.