Ingavi Hospital Emergency Room Operates at Limit: Up to 8-Hour Delays and Doctor Shortages

The emergency room at Ingavi Hospital in Paraguay is struggling under the weight of overwhelming patient numbers and critical resource shortages. During a session of the Institute of Social Security (IPS) Council, officials revealed that the emergency department is operating at its absolute limit, with wait times for patients stretching to as long as eight hours on some days.

Dr. Alvaro González, head of the emergency department, stated that over 74,000 patients have been treated in the last seven months, far exceeding the hospital's original capacity. He highlighted significant administrative "gaps" due to bureaucracy, with separate windows for initial contact and system scheduling, causing unnecessary delays of 20 to 30 minutes. This is particularly dangerous for patients with time-sensitive conditions.

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The average age of complex cases reaches 66 years, evidencing a strong burden of geriatric morbidity that permanently collapses the 15 rotation beds and the resuscitation unit.

The average age of complex cases is 66, indicating a heavy burden of geriatric patients that constantly overloads the 15 available beds and the resuscitation unit. Cases classified as low complexity, represented by green and blue codes, form the vast majority of consultations. During peak hours, between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the wait can extend to eight hours, leading to constant saturation in the available clinics.

Furthermore, the system for internal and external transfers is described as precarious. The report also noted a vulnerable pediatric care situation, lacking both specialists and adequate infrastructure. This critical state of affairs at Ingavi Hospital underscores a broader systemic strain within the IPS, mirroring similar issues reported at the Central Hospital.

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In peak hours, between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., the waits for insured patients can extend up to 8 hours on some days.