Paraguay's social security doctors overwhelmed, treating up to 100 patients per shift

Doctors and nurses at Paraguay's Institute of Social Security (IPS) are sounding the alarm over unsustainable working conditions, with some medical professionals reportedly attending to as many as 100 patients within a single 24-hour shift. This extreme workload, coupled with low salaries and poor contractual conditions, has triggered a significant exodus of medical staff and a lack of interest from new graduates.

Dr. María Laura Rodríguez of the Association of Doctors of the IPS (AMIPS) highlighted the critical situation in emergency services, where a single doctor might see between 70 to 100 patients. This overexertion, she warned, jeopardizes the accuracy of medical evaluations. The IPS is currently facing a deficit of nearly 100 medical professionals due to resignations. Compounding the issue, recruitment efforts for new contracts are failing as applicants reject the institution's offers.

In contrast to the 12-hour shifts common in the Ministry of Public Health, the IPS reportedly demands 24-hour shifts for a net salary of approximately 3.8 million guaranis after deductions. This disparity drives many doctors to seek employment in the private sector or the public health system, where conditions are perceived as fairer. The consequences are dire for insured patients, who experience lengthy waits in emergency rooms. Nearly half of all emergency attendances are for minor ailments, often from individuals unable to secure appointments in outpatient clinics, further straining the exhausted staff during night shifts.