Paraguayan doctors' strike ends without agreement, mass resignations loom

Public sector doctors in Paraguay have concluded a five-day strike without securing any agreements with the government, signaling a deepening crisis in the nation's healthcare system. The strike, organized by the National Doctors' Union (Sinamed), saw medical professionals demanding a salary increase, which they claim has not been updated since 2012, along with essential medical supplies and medications for hospitals. They also seek permanent contracts for approximately 9,000 temporary professionals.

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We did not receive any response from the Government, nor any kind of proposal, which is why we are going to continue (protesting).

Negotiations between Sinamed and the Ministers of Health and Economy failed to yield any breakthroughs, prompting frustration among the striking doctors. Rossana González, the general secretary of Sinamed, stated that the union received no responses or proposals from the government, leading to the decision to continue their protest efforts. The union plans to convene an assembly to discuss further actions, including potentially another strike.

The situation has become critical, particularly at the General Pediatric Hospital of Acosta Ñu, the country's leading pediatric facility. The hospital's strike committee announced that 141 out of 164 specialist doctors, including those in intensive care, anesthesiology, and pediatric surgery, are submitting their resignations. This represents 86% of the hospital's specialists.

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This is a very critical situation and it is generating a snowball effect.

Roberto Riveros, the union secretary for the Paraguayan Society of Pediatric Surgery, warned that if the government does not provide a favorable response by Monday, these resignations will become effective. He described the situation as a "snowball effect," noting that 19 out of 21 pediatric intensivists at the Hospital del Trauma in Asunción are also planning to resign. The coordinator of Intensive Care at Acosta Ñu warned that there are no specialists in the country capable of replacing the resigning pediatric intensivists and surgeons.

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it is impossible for the Government to finance the 76% increase demanded by public sector doctors.