Ex-Health Minister Paredes Attacks Press, Calls Health Chiefs 'Incompetent,' Challenges Prosecution

Former Honduran Health Minister Carla Paredes has sharply criticized the current health authorities, accusing them of attempting to discredit her administration's work. Paredes stated that officials are simplifying and denigrating the efforts made during her tenure, while also targeting journalists she claims are influenced by "fish bonuses."

Paredes specifically defended the Technical Unit for Projects, asserting that it was in disarray when she took office but was progressively rebuilt to include 89 professionals. She emphasized the unit's crucial role in overseeing and maintaining over 1,900 health units nationwide, arguing that its work cannot be reduced to mere desk tasks.

"It's idiotic to believe that. It's clear that what they are saying are pure distractions. They can't hide their incompetence and are doing exactly what they criticized," Paredes stated, accusing the new leadership of deflecting from current problems such as medicine shortages and unfulfilled emergency declarations.

Paredes also pointed out the hypocrisy of the current administration, which she claims is already blaming previous governments despite being in office for only six months, a stark contrast to their own criticisms of the previous 12 years of governance. She challenged accusers to present any evidence of wrongdoing to the Public Ministry, stating her willingness to face consequences if any responsibility is found.

"If I have to pay something, and if there is responsibility for 'x' or 'y' reason, I have no problem because I have been determined by what I have believed in, to the point of giving my life, let alone freedom," Paredes declared, also suggesting her predecessor, Manuel Matheu, should enjoy his retirement instead of criticizing her departure.