Paraguayan Doctors to Decide Whether to Resume Strike Amid Health Crisis

Paraguay’s National Medical Union will meet on Thursday to decide whether public-sector doctors should return to a nationwide strike. The union says the government’s response to its demands has been partial or nonexistent, and accuses officials of trying to divide doctors by negotiating separately with workers at different hospitals.

Public-sector doctors already held a five-day strike last week. They say their salaries have remained stagnant since 2012 and are demanding an increase from the current 5 million guaraníes to 8 million. They also say shortages of medicines and medical supplies prevent the public health system from providing adequate care.

The union is seeking double pay for public holidays worked and the hiring of more health professionals to meet demand in public hospitals. The dispute intensified after dozens of specialists in surgery, pediatric intensive care, anesthesiology, neurology and other fields submitted resignations at some of the country’s main public hospitals.

The medical union estimates that about 600 resignations could be submitted this week. The Health Ministry said it had received 62 resignations, after doctors accused officials of shelving many of the documents.

The government has announced an additional $260 million for health in the 2027 national budget. Health Minister María Teresa Barán also promised to improve employment conditions for nearly 2,400 health professionals. However, the executive branch continues to reject discussions on a salary adjustment until it defines a merit-based system that would reward doctors’ seniority and specialization.