Panama busts clandestine vaccination ring

Authorities in Panama have dismantled a clandestine vaccine inoculation program operating in the capital of Panama City, where at least 32 people have been vaccinated illegally with Pfizer doses, costing around USD 200 per shot. 

The scandal was brought to light after local newspaper La Prensa visited a run-down building with expensive cars frequently parked outside. Local police identified the individual running the illegal vaccination center, who herself had received shots illegally.

As of today, the Central American nation has good vaccination figures compared to the rest of the region: over 17 percent of its 4.3 million inhabitants have been fully vaccinated. However, the scandal sparked criticism nationwide, as many Panamanians are still waiting for their time to vaccinate. 

President Laurentino ‘Nito’ Cortizo said that “there is no room for playing around with lives and health.”

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