Paraguay Doctors Threaten Mass Resignation as Strike Enters Fifth Day

Paraguay's public healthcare system faces a critical juncture as doctors escalate their national strike, threatening mass resignations of specialists. The strike, which began on August 24, has entered its fifth and final day with no resolution in sight, intensifying tension between the medical union and the government.

The core demand from the National Doctors' Union (Sinamed) is a salary adjustment, as current wages have been frozen since 2012. Doctors are seeking a raise to 8 million Paraguayan guaranis, citing a significant loss of purchasing power due to rising living costs. However, the conflict extends beyond financial compensation. Professionals highlight systemic issues within public hospitals, including a chronic lack of essential medicines and supplies. This scarcity often forces doctors to use their own money to purchase necessary treatments for vulnerable patients.

The government has dismissed the salary increase as financially unfeasible due to a lack of resources. In response to the perceived inaction, the medical community has adopted an extreme measure: preparing mass resignations. These are set to be submitted if the executive branch fails to present a satisfactory counter-offer before midnight.

The situation is particularly dire in specialized pediatric care. Dr. Roberto Riveros, general secretary of the Paraguayan Society of Pediatric Surgery, stated that all 39 pediatric surgeons in the public system, primarily in the Central department, have signed their resignation letters. Furthermore, 90% of specialists in pediatric anesthesiology and intensive care have also indicated their intent to resign, creating a critical deficit in specialized care for children.

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the totality of the pediatric surgeons in the public system, a total of 39 specialists concentrated mostly in the Central department, have signed their resignations.