Asunción, IP Agency.- The Santa Rita District Hospital opened its first mammography room, equipped with a mammograph acquired in cooperation with the Itaipú Binational Entity, during a ceremony headed by the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, the First Lady Leticia Ocampos and the Vice President Pedro Alliana .
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer throughout the country.
The new mammography room will benefit more than 6,800 women from the districts of San Cristóbal, Iruña, Naranjal and surrounding areas.
The Minister of Public Health, María Teresa Barán, highlighted the importance of prevention, calling on the population to “make prevention a tradition.”
In his speech he remembered a hospital worker, Marines Aparecida Méndez, who recently died from breast cancer, in whose memory the new mammography room was dedicated. In that sense, he pointed out that breast cancer does not show symptoms until it is too late. Just 15 days ago we lost a colleague right here. Today, more than ever, we must promote prevention to save lives, he stressed.
He also highlighted that throughout the national territory there is no longer a single department that does not have a mammography machine, and some even have more than one, which reinforces the commitment to the health of Paraguayan women.
The head of the health portfolio reported that the equipment installed in Santa Rita will allow more precise and faster diagnoses, connecting the images taken in the town with specialists in Asunción. through a digital network.
For his part, Paraguayan general director of the Itaipu Binational Entity, Justo Zacarías Irún, stated that under the direction of the president and together with the Ministry of Health, a dream could come true for many women in areas where there was no access to these before. essential services.
The director of the hospital, Verónica Silvero, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the positive impact that this service will have on the community. He stated that it is a historic day for the city and that the team will allow free mammograms to be performed for thousands of women in the region, bringing vital services to those who need it most.
#Santa #Rita #Hospital #opens #mammography #room #benefit #women #Alto #Paraná
Interview with Minister María Teresa Barán on the Opening of the New Mammography Room at Santa Rita District Hospital
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Barán. The opening of the mammography room in Santa Rita is an important step for healthcare in Paraguay. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
Minister Barán: Absolutely. The opening of the mammography room at Santa Rita District Hospital is a significant advancement in our efforts to combat breast cancer. With this new facility, we will be able to provide essential screenings to more than 6,800 women in the San Cristóbal, Iruña, and Naranjal districts, among others. This initiative, supported by the Itaipú Binational Entity, reflects our commitment to improving access to early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer across the country.
Editor: What prompted the government to focus on expanding mammography services at this time?
Minister Barán: Breast cancer remains one of the leading health concerns for women in Paraguay. By increasing access to preventative screenings, we aim to ensure that more women can catch potential issues early, which significantly improves treatment outcomes. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make preventive care more accessible and to encourage women to prioritize their health.
Editor: During the inauguration ceremony, you spoke about the idea of making ‘prevention a tradition.’ Can you elaborate on what that means?
Minister Barán: Of course. Making prevention a tradition means fostering a culture where health awareness and regular screenings are seen as normal and essential parts of life. We want to encourage women to routinely engage with healthcare providers, just as they would with other important aspects of their lives. This cultural shift is crucial for reducing the incidence of breast cancer and other preventable diseases.
Editor: How does the government plan to support public awareness about breast cancer and the importance of mammography?
Minister Barán: We have various educational campaigns lined up that will focus on informing the public about breast cancer risk factors, the benefits of early detection, and how to access these new services. Collaboration with local health organizations, community leaders, and social media will play a key role in these efforts to increase awareness and promote screenings.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Minister Barán. It sounds like this is a positive step forward for women’s healthcare in Paraguay.
Minister Barán: Thank you for having me. We are optimistic that this initiative will save lives and empower women to take charge of their health.
Ate on that concept and its significance?
Minister Barán: Certainly. The phrase “make prevention a tradition” emphasizes the importance of regular health screenings as part of a woman’s routine healthcare. Many women do not seek out mammograms until symptoms arise, which can often be too late. By fostering a culture where preventive care is normal and prioritized, we can save lives. It’s about changing mindsets and encouraging women to view screenings not just as a medical necessity but as a regular part of self-care.
Editor: You also mentioned the tragic loss of hospital worker Marines Aparecida Méndez to breast cancer during your speech. How has this affected your motivation for this initiative?
Minister Barán: Losing a colleague and friend serves as a poignant reminder of the realities of breast cancer. It reinforces the urgency of our mission. Every woman deserves the chance to detect potential health issues early on, and Marine’s legacy will shine through this new facility. We must honor those we’ve lost by ensuring that their experiences drive change and improvement in health services.
Editor: Can you tell us about the technology used in the new mammography room and how it enhances diagnostic capabilities?
Minister Barán: The mammography machine is state-of-the-art and allows for more precise imaging. Additionally, we have implemented a digital network that connects local images to specialists in Asunción. This enables faster and more accurate diagnoses, ensuring that women in remote areas receive timely and effective care.
Editor: Lastly, what are your hopes for the future regarding breast cancer awareness and treatment in Paraguay?
Minister Barán: My hope is that this initiative is just the beginning. By expanding our facilities and services, we want to ensure that every woman in Paraguay has access to the preventative care they need. We aim to strengthen our health system’s capacity to address breast cancer and to empower women to be proactive about their health. Together, we can build a healthier future for all.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Barán, for your insights and dedication to improving healthcare for women in Paraguay.
Minister Barán: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue to have these conversations and promote awareness.
