Panama Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Panama's physicians was 1.71 in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 5.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Panama's physicians stood at 1.71 in 2025, a rise of +0.09 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.71 by 2025. Panama ranked 76th globally.
Panama's physician-to-population ratio has shown a steady increase since the 1960s, when the country recorded a trough of 0.36 physicians per 1,000 people. By 1988, this ratio peaked at 1.79, indicating a significant improvement in healthcare accessibility. Since then, however, there has been a decline, with the ratio standing at 1.71 physicians per 1,000 people in 2025. This places Panama at the 76th position globally. In comparison, countries such as Tajikistan and Mauritius have surpassed Panama's current ratio. Algeria, another peer country, boasts a ratio of 1.64, slightly higher than Panama's current level. The downward trend in Panama's physician-to-population ratio may be attributed to various factors, including population growth and the distribution of healthcare services. A significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and human capital development could change the trajectory of this trend, potentially leading to an increase in the physician-to-population ratio in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 1.71 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.71 | +0.09 | #76 |
| 2022 | 1.63 | −0.11 | #71 |
| 2021 | 1.74 | +0.11 | #74 |
| 2020 | 1.63 | −0.01 | #78 |
| 2019 | 1.64 | +0.03 | #79 |
| 2018 | 1.61 | +0.02 | #84 |
| 2017 | 1.59 | +0.02 | #84 |
| 2016 | 1.57 | −0.01 | #78 |
| 2015 | 1.58 | −0.01 | #75 |
| 2014 | 1.59 | +0.00 | #80 |
| 2013 | 1.59 | −0.02 | #76 |
| 2012 | 1.60 | +0.10 | #72 |
| 2011 | 1.50 | +0.09 | #74 |
| 2010 | 1.41 | +0.10 | #78 |
| 2009 | 1.32 | −0.07 | #72 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Panama matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Panama's physicians was 1.71 in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
Panama's physicians peaked at 1.79 in 1988.
The lowest physicians in Panama was 0.36 in 1960.
Panama ranks 76th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Panama's physicians is projected to reach 1.71 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Panama in 2025 was 1.71. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_panama_physicians,
title = {Panama Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/panama/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}