Paraguay public health management controversy

The administration of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña faces scrutiny over the state of the national healthcare system. President Peña has acknowledged that public health and the Social Security Institute (IPS) are in poor condition, describing health services as a “weak point” and a “pending matter” for his government. Despite facing crises such as neonatal deaths in public hospitals and public calls for the dismissal of Health Minister Teresa Barán, Peña has maintained his full support for her.

In response to criticisms regarding the management of the sector, Vice President Pedro Alliana has defended the administration, claiming it has made the highest investment in healthcare in Paraguay’s democratic history. Alliana cited the acquisition of 217 ambulances, the completion of two hospitals, and the tripling of budgets for medicines and supplies as evidence of progress. However, political figures such as former President Nicanor Duarte Frutos have challenged these claims, arguing that if such investments exist, the current management is failing to meet the continuous public demand for essential services and medicines.