We were treated to a tour of this Panamanian cancer care hospital. As nurses from all over the world, we were honored guests, and they were proud to show off their institution. 
They serve the whole country of Panama, and offer a full complement of cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, 
and 35 chemo chairs. There are 20 Oncologists and I am not sure the # of nurses.
Chemo...
There are 200 in-patient beds, Chemo embolization?
A nurse 's salary is $850 per month...
The building is old, dingy, really, built long ago in the manner of institutions at that time. there are 7 floors. Walls need paint, stairwells are dark, well used. Furniture is worn, needing repair, and out of fashion. It reminded me of hospitals 50 years ago with crank beds, stark patient bathrooms with only a toilet and sink. The nurses stations have computers, but are used only for lab results. All patient charting is done in the metal covered, paper charts. 
Nurses wear crisp white uniforms, shoes and cap. 
They seemed very happy to see us, and look forward, as we all do, to the improvement of patient care, to the elevation and training of the nursing profession.
But the spirit inside was excellent! There was an atmosphere of pride in their institution, and hope and good humor for the patients. There were many hand written signs and pictures with inspirational and motivating themes. This sign translates that ". today I share with you the sounding of this bell to announce a new day. My treatment has finished with the strength and bravery that God has given me. Thank you God, for the life "
Panama has a country wide Palliative care initiative, and has had a country wide smoking cessation movement. 
There are educational posters and art work everywhere, on prevention, on signs and symptoms of the various cancers. It is a positive place! 
It was an enriching tour, both heartening to see the care and cancer services offered, and sad to still see the glaring inequities between countries and cultures.
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