Paraguay's lawmakers mediate doctors' strike ahead of world rally

Lawmakers in Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies have stepped in to mediate a national doctors' strike, seeking to resolve the ongoing conflict before the upcoming World Rally Championship event in Itapúa this weekend. The medical unions met with the leadership of the Chamber of Deputies on August 26, with the aim of finding a solution to the labor dispute.

Raúl Latorre, President of the Chamber of Deputies, stated that the legislative body would act as a mediator between the striking medical unions and the Executive branch. He emphasized the goal of finding a path that addresses the medical professionals' demands while ensuring that all health services can operate at full capacity to serve Paraguayans. The government, led by President Santiago Peña and Health Minister María Teresa Barán, has yet to present concrete proposals.

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We are going to adopt the position of mediators, seeking a solution to this conflict that, on the one hand, can clearly continue to generate a path of vindication for the medical guild and, of course, all health workers; and on the other hand, also (...) allow all health services to work at their full capacity to provide care to Paraguayans.

Rosanna González, a representative from the National Doctors' Union (Sinamed), expressed the union's openness to solutions but warned that if no progress is made, their protest might extend to the World Rally event in Itapúa. The strike, which began nationwide on August 26, has seen the Health Minister largely absent from public discourse on the matter, with her primary response being that there is "no money" for salary increases.

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If so much were not stolen, there would be enough for everyone.

Sinamed countered this by asserting that if corruption were effectively addressed, there would be sufficient funds to meet the demands of healthcare workers. The union is seeking concrete proposals from the Executive branch regarding their claims, which include a salary increase for doctors who currently earn around 5 million Paraguayan guaranis and would reach 8.5 million guaranis with the proposed raise.

Latorre indicated that the Chamber of Deputies' role would be to build a bridge for dialogue, with any resolution likely to be addressed in the 2027 National Budget. However, he remained vague about specific measures the Chamber might take to resolve the crisis, deferring details until after meetings with the Ministers of Economy and Health scheduled for the following day.

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Of course there is money. They don't prioritize.