Panamanian Deputy Janine Prado has publicly questioned recent direct contracting practices by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), particularly a $44.2 million, 49-month lease for 43 ambulances. Prado contrasted this deal with a past acquisition by the Social Security Fund (CSS), which procured 55 ambulances for $9 million. She criticized the significant price difference and implied a lack of planning, stating the country continues to operate in an improvisational manner. The deputy’s concerns center on the escalating public debt and the seemingly inflated costs associated with these contracts. Prado's statements suggest a need for increased transparency and scrutiny regarding government procurement processes. This critique adds to growing national debate around fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation within Panama's public health system.