Paraguayan public doctors strike for better pay and conditions

Public sector doctors across Paraguay initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, marking the first day of a five-day work stoppage aimed at pressuring the government to address critical issues within the healthcare system. The doctors are demanding a salary readjustment, improved working conditions, and the adequate provision of medical supplies and medications in public hospitals.

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The last salary adjustment for this sector was in 2012, and we are not being paid what corresponds to us for night shifts or holidays.

The capital city, Asunción, saw the largest mobilization, with physicians and students traveling from various parts of the country to participate in demonstrations. A significant gathering took place in front of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Protesters, clad in white coats, carried signs with slogans such as "No Paraguayan deserves to die for being poor," "We have no medicines," and "There are not enough doctors."

The strike impacts major public hospitals, leading to the suspension of scheduled appointments and surgeries. However, facilities managed by the Social Security Institute (IPS), which covers the majority of the country's workers, are not participating in the work stoppage. This division highlights the varying conditions and concerns across different segments of the public health sector.

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We are currently earning five million (guaraníes, equivalent to about 832 dollars), approximately. Some earn a little less or a little more, and we should be earning 8 million (guaraníes; that is, about 1,331 dollars) per contract.

Dr. Carlos Santa María of the Barrio Obrero General Hospital in Asunción highlighted the dire financial situation, stating that the last salary adjustment for public doctors was in 2012. He noted that current monthly salaries of approximately 5 million Paraguayan guaraníes (about $832 USD) are insufficient, and the union is seeking around 8 million guaraníes (about $1,331 USD) per contract, in addition to fair compensation for night and holiday shifts. He also decried the persistent shortage of essential items like syringes and serums.

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We have always lacked infrastructure, technology, that is, really, as health policies in our country are needed, we still have a long way to go.

Rosana González, a leader with the National Union of Doctors (Sinamed), called for the formalization of contracts for approximately 9,000 doctors who have been working on temporary contracts for nearly a decade. She stated that the strike was called after four rounds of negotiations with the government failed to yield an agreement. Retired doctor Teresa Montiel, who served for 30 years, joined the protest, lamenting that healthcare issues, including infrastructure and technology, have been long-standing problems in Paraguay, indicating a significant need for policy reform.

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We need to formalize the hiring of nearly 9,000 doctors who have been working as contractors for about 10 years.