Surprise visit by IPS president reveals serious deficiencies in Caaguazú and Yhû hospitals

The president of Paraguay's Institute of Social Security (IPS), Dr. Isaías Fretes, made a surprise visit to health units in Caaguazú and Yhû, uncovering numerous deficiencies. He observed a lack of medications, specialists, medical equipment, and essential supplies for patient care.

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The choices that have been made, which deviate from the general interest, will have to be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry commission in the coming months.

The most pressing concerns were at the IPS Health Unit in Caaguazú, which has faced repeated complaints from patients and staff about precarious medical attention. Shortages of medications, specialists, CT scanners, and other vital resources hinder the hospital's efficient operation. Professor Luis Velázquez, president of educators in Caaguazú, emphasized the need to elevate the health unit to district hospital status to secure a larger budget and hire more professionals. The facility serves patients not only from Caaguazú but also from surrounding districts.

Velázquez also questioned the administration of an IPS property reportedly rented to a supermarket, with unclear management of the proceeds. The director of the Caaguazú Health Unit, Dr. Carlos Alderete, stated that the hospital currently has only one surgeon and one gynecologist per day, who must manage surgeries, rounds, and consultations simultaneously. With only four pediatricians, they require at least eight to meet demand. Medical staff from other areas and nurses often assist in surgeries despite lacking specific specialization due to the shortage of specialists.

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Nice will not sacrifice 140 million euros for a few weeks of events. These resources will be devoted to what really matters: sustainable sports facilities, useful every day for the people of Nice, amateur clubs and young generations.

Traumatologist Dr. Jonathan Martínez noted that some shifts lack surgeons, forcing other professionals to cover these roles. He also denounced the "unacceptable" lack of multiparametric monitors in the emergency area. He further pointed out that minor equipment defects could be easily repaired, but there has been a lack of interest in fixing them. The Yhû integrated unit also presented significant needs, with only basic care being provided.

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Ecological absurdity, financially unsustainable for the city. Fortunately, there was some reason because we are not going to spend the money of the people of Nice on such a project. In Lyon, they already have facilities (...), there will certainly be less expense.