Paraguay Dentists Demand Salary Raise After 14 Years Without Adjustment

Dentists employed by Paraguay's Ministry of Public Health demonstrated Friday, demanding a salary adjustment they say is long overdue. The professionals are calling for an urgent dialogue with the ministry to address stagnant wages, which they claim have not been increased in 14 years.

Gabriel Taddey, general secretary of the Union of Dentists of Paraguay, led the protest, explaining that the last salary adjustment for the sector occurred in 2012. Since then, he stated, the purchasing power of these healthcare professionals has steadily declined, with an estimated 70% loss in value due to accumulated inflation.

"For more than 14 years, we have not had an adjustment. Today, it is our turn, as dentists, to be here to initiate a formal conversation with the Ministry of Health to start discussing this issue," Taddey told reporters. While acknowledging the state's budgetary constraints, the union emphasizes the imperative need to establish a timeline for salary improvements.

The dentists are not demanding a specific figure unilaterally but are seeking a negotiation space. They propose a 20% increase as a reasonable and feasible adjustment. Their goal is to establish a working group involving representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to determine how to incorporate this salary increase into the 2027 General Budget of Expenses.

Approximately 1,400 dentists work within the public health system, with about 40% employed on contract. Taddey stressed that any salary adjustment must apply to all personnel, addressing disparities between contract and permanent staff.

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For more than 14 years, we have not had an adjustment. Today, it is our turn, as dentists, to be here to initiate a formal conversation with the Ministry of Health to start discussing this issue.