Deputy Daniel Centurión (ANR-Añeteté) has introduced a proposal to abolish the Administrative Council of Paraguay's Social Security Institute (IPS), according to a report by ABC Color. Centurión argues that the council, originally designed as a tripartite body representing the state, employers, and workers, has never fulfilled its intended role and instead has become a source of political patronage, corruption, and even extortion.
“The composition of the IPS Administrative Council proposes a tripartite model—state, employers, and workers—but historically it has not met the objective of directing and controlling the institution administratively. On the contrary, it has become a political hunting ground, a source of patronage, corruption, and extortion,” Centurión wrote on social media platform X.
The lawmaker called for a comprehensive reform of the IPS organic law but, as an urgent measure, proposed eliminating the council entirely. “While we analyze and debate a structural reform of the organic law, with a different governance model that will take considerable time, I consider it appropriate to propose the elimination of that council now, strengthening the areas of control and oversight,” Centurión stated.
Centurión also expressed his full support for Dr. Isaías Fretes, the IPS director, praising his commitment to cleaning up the institution, which he described as mired in poverty, with dilapidated buildings, a shortage of doctors, and a complete lack of basic medicines. “I take this opportunity to reiterate my support for Dr. Isaías Fretes, who has demonstrated transparency, integrity, courage, and institutional commitment,” the deputy said.