South American health and political developments

Various health and political developments are unfolding across South America. In Paraguay, a medical strike has reached a critical point, with pediatric specialists issuing an ultimatum. Senator Lilian Samaniego warned of mass resignations, noting that up to 93% of therapists at the Niños de Acosta Ñu Hospital have already signed dimissions. This crisis has sparked a legislative debate over funding, with proposals to increase corporate income tax and implement selective consumption taxes on tobacco and alcohol to support public health.

In Argentina, the Ministry of Health in Jujuy reported a 57% reduction in cervical cancer mortality over 15 years and implemented a new transition team to provide continuous care for patients with myelomeningocele as they move from pediatric to adult services.

In Bolivia, the Ministry of Health and Sports met with HIV/AIDS advocacy groups to guarantee the supply of antiretroviral medications and update national clinical guidelines.

In Peru, the health regulator Susalud fined Clínica Delgado S/69,550 for releasing the private medical records of former first lady Nadine Heredia to the Public Ministry without consent. Additionally, President Keiko Fujimori announced government efforts to complete the construction of the Hipólito Unanue regional hospital in Tacna, a project that has been stalled since 2020.