Asuncion, IP Agency.- President Santiago Peña presented his first presidential report today, highlighting significant progress in public health care services, with the aim of improving accessibility and the quality of life of Paraguayan citizens.
Enabling night-time clinics
In response to persistent waits and demands for health services, the government has implemented the creation of night-time clinics. These services are available from Monday to Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., facilitating access to medical care outside of conventional hours.
The measure has reduced long queues at health centres and relieved pressure in emergency areas, without incurring additional costs for the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS), thanks to an effective restructuring of human resources.
The medical specialties offered include pediatrics, gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, dentistry, and nutrition. From August 2023 to May 2024, more than 270 thousand consultations were registered, representing approximately 10% of the total number of outpatient consultations at the MSPBS. The service is available in 35 hospitals nationwide, covering regions such as Concepción, Cordillera, Guairá, Caaguazú, Caazapá, Itapúa, Alto Paraná, Central, Ñeembucú, Amambay, Canindeyú, Boquerón, and Capital.
Surgical marathons, an essential step towards reducing waiting times for scheduled surgeries
In collaboration with the Military Hospital and various regional entities, the Ministry of Health launched the “Surgical Marathons” project to reduce waiting lists for scheduled surgeries.
The program enabled 2,882 surgeries to be performed in 11 health regions and 931 surgical procedures at the Military Hospital between August 2023 and May 2024, totaling 3,813 surgeries.
Transplants and decentralization
For the first time, two kidney transplants were performed in the Alto Paraná department, in collaboration with the Tesãi Foundation of Itaipú Binacional, marking the beginning of the Decentralization Plan of the National Institute of Ablation and Transplantation (INAT).
Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of a donor family, and following five months of waiting connected to an artificial heart, María Luján successfully underwent a heart transplant in a surgery lasting more than fourteen hours. She began her crucial recovery period at the “Niños de Acosta Ñu” Pediatric General Hospital in San Lorenzo.
These achievements mark a milestone in the lives of patients and highlight the capacity installed in the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS).
Remote patient monitoring and assistance
To improve medical care and overcome distances, a telephone monitoring system was implemented for patients with suspected dengue, reducing hospital saturation and speeding up their evaluation and treatment.
To date, 25,618 patients have been monitored, of whom 177 were referred to medical centres for more specialised interventions.
A cardiovascular telediagnosis system was also launched to detect cardiovascular diseases early, preventing approximately 48,000 people from having to go to health centers. This system is active in 12 health regions, facilitating rapid and effective diagnoses.
Registration of chronic patients
In order to improve access and quality of treatment for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, a registration system has been implemented.
This system allows continuous access to treatment without the need for monthly consultations just to obtain prescriptions, in addition to offering interdisciplinary care.
To date, approximately 187,000 patients have been registered in seven regions. The plan is to extend this system to more facilities in order to continue increasing the number of registered patients.
Comprehensive approach to obesity treatment
The MSPBS has reorganized its health services to offer comprehensive care to patients with obesity through a multidisciplinary team.
Comprehensive obesity management clinics have been implemented in seven centres located in four health regions. In June, four new clinics were opened, expanding the scope of these services.
Quality healthcare: integration of the National Health System
Following the principle of universality of the National Health Policy, intersectoral and interinstitutional actions have been strengthened to facilitate access to medicines and improve coordination between specialists.
The MSPBS has supplied medicines and supplies to the Social Security Institute (IPS) and the Hospital de Clínicas, in addition to signing integration agreements to improve medical care and reduce waiting times for patients.
Mental health, a priority for everyone
The MSPBS has implemented several measures to strengthen care in this area. More than 200 professionals have been trained in Asunción and Central, and courses have been developed for facilitators of the Mental Health Action Program to Overcome Gap (mhGAP).
In addition, the rotation of third-year psychiatry residents began, benefiting 267 patients in different health centers.
Resource optimization and modernization for health
All debts received from the previous administration for supplies and medicines, amounting to USD 320 million, have been paid, and purchasing processes have been reviewed to achieve significant savings.
Likewise, more than G. 24,092 million have been allocated to the maintenance of hospitals and family health units (USF) in various health regions.
With funding from Itaipu, important health infrastructure works are being carried out, including the construction of a shelter for mothers at the Los Ángeles Maternal and Child Hospital in Ciudad del Este and the creation of nephrology and intensive care centers in several locations.
New hospitals and modernization of USF
The government is committed to building new hospitals in Concepción, Itauguá, Asunción, San Estanislao (Santaní), Curuguaty and Chaco, in addition to improving health infrastructure such as the National Cancer Institute (INCAN) and equipping hospitals in Coronel Oviedo and the South.
Modernization of the HIS and expansion of health services
The Health Information System (HIS) has been essential in the efficient management of medical information, with the connectivity of 198 new establishments and more than 4 million consultations registered since August 2023. In addition, the laboratory network has been strengthened and care in arboviruses has been improved with the support of the Tesãi Foundation.
The implementation of these measures under President Santiago Peña Nieto marks a significant milestone in Paraguay’s recent history, highlighting a strong commitment to public health and the well-being of its citizens.
With a comprehensive approach ranging from the extension of clinic hours to the decentralization of specialized services and technological modernization, the government has not only improved access to medical care, but has also laid the foundations for a more efficient and equitable health system.
These initiatives have relieved pressure on emergency services and reduced waiting lists, as well as strengthened the capacity to respond to health emergencies and improved the quality of life of millions of Paraguayans.
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2024-07-08 05:21:12
