Paraguay Government Approves 11,000 Health Worker Appointments Amid Strike Threat

Paraguay's Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has formalized the appointments of around 11,000 healthcare sector workers. This officialization occurred Friday, just days before a planned national strike by medical professionals associated with public institutions.

The national strike, scheduled to begin Monday, was called by doctors demanding greater job security and improved salaries. The Ministry of Health announced that the National Economic Team, under the Presidency, authorized these new appointments. In total, 9,755 positions for doctors, dentists, biochemists, nurses, technicians, and health auxiliaries were approved. Additionally, 1,345 administrative positions received authorization.

Luz Leguizamón, a leader with the Paraguayan Nurses Association (APE), stated that approximately 7,000 nurses will benefit from this measure. She described the move as addressing a "historic debt" for colleagues who, working on contracts, receive low salaries, lack job stability, and have no medical insurance.

The government's decision follows the National Union of Doctors of Paraguay (Sinamed) confirming its national work stoppage. This action will extend through Friday after a fourth negotiation meeting between Sinamed, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labor failed. Sinamed's general secretary, Rossana González, informed reporters that medical consultations and surgeries in public hospitals would be suspended. Doctors are demanding salary adjustments, better working conditions, and necessary supplies.