Doctors' strike halts consultations and surgeries at Paraguay's pediatric hospital

A nationwide doctors' strike has significantly disrupted services at the Niños de Acosta Ñu Pediatric Hospital, forcing the suspension of nearly all outpatient consultations and scheduled surgeries. The hospital, which typically sees around 16,000 patients monthly, is now facing a situation where an estimated 4,000 external consultations and 100 surgeries may not be performed.

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The consultations and scheduled surgeries were completely suspended.

Dr. Diego Gamarra, head of the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit, confirmed that essential services are still operational, with staff working shifts to support the strike. However, the impact on planned medical procedures is substantial. "The consultations and scheduled surgeries were completely suspended," Gamarra stated, adding that essential service staff "firmly support" their striking colleagues.

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Those of us working in essential services are on duty and firmly support our colleagues, many of whom are marching.

The strike's demands center on improving working conditions, which doctors argue are essential for providing adequate care. Key issues include the guaranteed provision of medications and a salary readjustment. According to medical professionals, salaries have not been updated in 14 years, leading to an estimated 50% loss in purchasing power. They also seek proper compensation for night shifts, holidays, and overtime work.

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We need the provision of medications to be guaranteed so that we can work properly.

Despite the disruption to scheduled services, the hospital's triage system for emergency care remains functional. Laura Morilla, coordinator of the outpatient emergency area, explained that patients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition, ensuring that critical cases receive immediate attention. Patients with less urgent needs are being referred elsewhere.

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In July, 16,000 patients were treated. About 4,000 patients will likely not be seen in external consultations, and about 100 scheduled surgeries will not be performed.