More Toxic Med Victims in Panama
The death of woman in David, western Chiriqui Province has brought the number of confirmed victims of contaminated medication in Panama to 51, announced Health Ministry Epidemiology director Washington Lum, without giving more information.

However, a number of sources differ greatly on the real figure of people dead from consuming medications containing dietyleneglicol, automobile antifreeze.

Former People´s Defender Juan Antonio Tejada revealed that President Martin Torrijos will receive a report documenting 21 other deaths and which also documents the process and total compensation for victims´ families.

Despite the almost 50 people who have died from contaminated medication, denouncements to the Public Health Ministry of such deaths continue and are increasing. Two hundred fifty of such cases are being investigated at present.

Spanish Rasfer SA sold the Panamanian consortium Medicom 40 barrels of supposed pure glycerin, used to produce medications, but that really contained dietyleneglicol.

The World Health Organization is investigating the practice of using this antifreeze to make medicines more cheaply. To date eight Panamanian citizens have been arrested.