Health services prioritized during Paraguay strike and Mexican aid programs

In Paraguay, the Ministry of Health has issued Resolution No. 481/2026 to ensure essential medical services remain operational during a nationwide strike by Sinamed doctors scheduled from August 24 to 28. The strike, driven by demands for salary adjustments and improved working conditions, will result in the suspension of scheduled consultations and surgeries. To protect public health, the Ministry will maintain critical services, including adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care, emergency and urgent surgical services, maternity and delivery rooms, dialysis, oncology, and blood bank operations.

In Mexico, social and medical assistance programs are active in the Sierra Norte region. In Huauchinango, more than 800 vulnerable residents received food assistance through the Food Care Program for People in Vulnerable Situations. Additionally, the ‘Feria de Paz’ medical campaign is providing free specialized services to families in the Sierra Norte microregion from August 18 to 21. This inter-institutional effort involving the Navy (MARINA), the Secretariat of National Defense (DEFENSA), the Secretariat of Health, and IMSS-Bienestar offers services such as X-rays, mammographies, dental care, electrocardiograms, and ultrasounds to those lacking social security.