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Paraguay medical union rejects government salary proposal
Medical professionals in Paraguay, represented by the National Medical Union (Sinamed), have rejected a salary adjustment proposal from the government of President Santiago Peña. The union characterized the offer as insufficient to address the loss of purchasing power and has announced a two-day strike scheduled for September 21 and 22.
The government's proposal involves a meritocratic salary scale that would provide increases based on training and experience, with implementation slated to begin in January 2027. In response, Sinamed is demanding a higher minimum salary floor to combat inflation.
Legislative efforts are underway to address the crisis. Senator Lilian Samaniego has proposed raising the minimum salary to G. 7 million per 12-hour weekly bond, potentially funded by reducing USD 81 million in consultancy expenses. Meanwhile, Senate President Basilio Núñez has proposed forming a ‘crisis committee’ to facilitate dialogue and avoid the strike, expressing concern over the mass resignation of specialists in critical areas like intensive care and neonatology.
In the 2027 National General Budget, the government has also proposed allocating over USD 200 million for medicines and supplies. Additionally, the medical union has expressed support for a government plan to formalize the employment status of approximately 2,390 doctors.
Entities
Basilio Núñez · Hospital General de Itapúa · Lilian Samaniego · María Teresa Barán · Ministry of Economy · Ministry of Health · Ministry of Health of Paraguay · Mónica García · O’Mega · Paraguay · Rossana González · Santiago Peña
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Doctors are seeking a salary adjustment to be implemented by January 2027 at the latest.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government proposed an increase of over USD 200 million for medicines and supplies. www.ultimahora.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The medical union approved a government plan to formalize the employment status of approximately 2,390 doctors. www.ultimahora.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Doctors are demanding a readjustment of the minimum salary floor to combat loss of purchasing power. www.ultimahora.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government's salary scale proposal delays implementation until July 2027. revistaplus.com.py
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Medical professionals are requesting approximately USD 120 million to establish adequate salaries.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Medical professionals in Paraguay are considering a new strike due to unresolved salary disputes. revistaplus.com.py · www.ultimahora.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Medical professionals in Paraguay rejected the government's salary adjustment proposal. www.ultimahora.com · revistaplus.com.py