The Social Security Institute (IPS) announced this Monday (18) the elimination of 817 supplies that were on the purchasing list but were not used. According to the entity's president, Isaías Fretes, the measure aims to curb the monthly deficit of 20 to 26 million dollars, attributed to corruption hotspots and unnecessary acquisitions.
“We have to close the leaky faucets. One way is to work on the most critical points, and changing the vademecum is getting to the heart of corruption. Of the 4,000 items including supplies, 817 will be removed,” Fretes said in a press conference. The number is preliminary, and the final consolidated list should be released next Thursday.
The president did not estimate the exact savings but noted that a single tender can cost 25 billion guaranis. “We do not want to harm any company, but this will force them to update themselves; it will be good for Paraguayan medicine,” he added. After consolidation, the list will be submitted to the IPS Council for officialization.
In parallel, Fretes announced an audit of IPS properties to verify location, rental values, tenants, and whether the amounts are compatible. The work will be led by Executive Branch auditor Alberto Contrera, who will also review the medication list. The final report is expected by the end of August.