Doctors’ strike: “Bachi” asks for time and does not rule out cutting spending

Paraguay’s health crisis deepened when about 100 neonatologists and pediatric intensive-care specialists at the National Hospital of Itauguá submitted their resignations. The doctors are demanding a salary adjustment they say they have not received since 2012, as well as reliable supplies of medicines and equipment, payment for work on public holidays and more secure employment.

The resignations followed a proposal from Health Minister María Teresa Barán to establish a career and salary scale for health workers. The National Medical Union, Sinamed, rejected that proposal unanimously and has announced another strike for September 21 and 22.

Senate President Basilio “Bachi” Núñez, who is also a doctor, acknowledged that the health sector faces a crisis. He said doctors had secured some gains, including higher funding for medicines and supplies, payment for public holidays and appointments for health personnel. But he recognized that the salary adjustment remains unresolved and said it must be considered within the 2027 General Budget.

Núñez asked the medical unions to give negotiators time and invited those preparing another strike to meet at the Senate. He proposed forming a crisis committee with parliamentary leaders and other members if necessary. “We cannot dress one saint by undressing another,” he said, arguing that any increase must not harm other areas of public spending. He also said the government’s proposal could be discussed and improved if both sides were willing to make concessions.

The Finance and Economy Ministry has described a 76% salary increase for doctors as non-negotiable in its opposition to the demand. Núñez said the dispute requires further discussion rather than an immediate deadlock.

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We cannot dress one saint by undressing another.