Paraguay Senate Committee Blocks Funds Transfer for Medicines, Cites Itaipú Consultation

A Paraguayan Senate committee has effectively stalled a proposal that sought to redirect nearly G. 9.75 billion (approximately $1.3 million USD) from communication campaigns and influencer marketing towards purchasing essential medicines and hospital supplies. The Committee on Finance and Budget, led by Senator Silvio “Beto” Ovelar, declined to consider the initiative.

Ovelar justified the decision by stating that the funds were part of the binational Itaipú entity and required consultation with its Paraguayan director, Justo Zacarías Irún. "The only person who can give us an answer is the director general of Itaipú Binacional, since it is a binational institution with its own rules," Ovelar stated, despite not having formally requested this consultation.

“

The only person who can give us an answer is the director general of Itaipú Binacional, since it is a binational institution with its own rules.

The project's delay means it is unlikely to be debated in the upcoming Senate session. Senator Natalicio Chase supported Ovelar's stance, suggesting the question should be directed to Itaipú's director regarding available funds for the Ministry of Health, rather than discussing influencer spending. This move effectively freezes the initiative, which was intended to reallocate funds initially earmarked for communication, digital diffusion, institutional events, and influencers.

“

I prefer to transfer the question to the director of Itaipú, whether he has resources to allocate to the Ministry of Health, and not talk about influencers.