IPS to hold pediatric surgery marathon in Ciudad del Este

The Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) has announced a pediatric surgery marathon scheduled for September 14 and 15 at the Hospital Regional de Ciudad del Este. Between 20 and 30 children are expected to undergo procedures during this initiative.

Following a patient evaluation led by pediatric surgeon Dr. Fredy Velázquez, 11 confirmed patients were identified from in-person assessments, while an additional 11 children residing in remote districts such as Juan E. O’Leary, Juan León Mallorquín, and Itakyry were contacted remotely. The surgical team aims to address a growing waiting list that has reached approximately 50 patients, with some procedures previously scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027.

Dr. Velázquez stated that the goal of the marathon is to significantly reduce the backlog, noting that while the hospital typically performs about 20 pediatric surgeries per month, the recent influx of patients has extended the waiting period into early 2027.