Caacupé Hospital Patients Face Critical Medication Shortages

Perla Pérez, an oncology patient from Atyrá, described the constant struggle to obtain essential medications at the Caacupé Regional Hospital in Paraguay. She stated that despite persistent complaints, the scarcity of vital drugs continues, forcing many families to bear costs they cannot afford.

Pérez recounted her routine of visiting the hospital only to find the prescribed cancer medications unavailable. This uncertainty and desperation have become a daily reality. She explained that the specific drug she needs, Methotrexate, is often out of stock. Interrupting cancer treatment poses a significant risk of disease progression, leaving her with no choice but to seek the medication independently to avoid halting her therapy.

To fund her treatment, Pérez has resorted to selling her few possessions and organizing raffles with the help of friends and family. Despite these efforts, she finds it increasingly difficult to raise the necessary funds due to the high cost of the drugs. "There are days when you don't know where to find the strength or the money. All we want is to receive the treatment we are entitled to," she expressed.

Pérez noted that she is not alone in this predicament. She has spoken with other oncology patients and individuals with chronic illnesses at the hospital who share her concerns about the persistent lack of medications. Many families are forced into debt or rely on charity campaigns to purchase their drugs, while others simply wait for the hospital to restock, risking treatment delays. The director of the hospital, Dr. Hugo Cañete, did not respond to calls seeking comment.

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There are days when you don't know where to find the strength or the money. All we want is to receive the treatment we are entitled to.