The president of IPS, Isaías Fretes, visited the Clínica 12 de Junio in Asunción on Monday morning and found a scene of severe deterioration in a hospital that has been operating for only a year and a half and cost about 8 million dollars (49 billion guaraníes). Accompanied by the medical director of the center, Juan Lucio Aguilera, Fretes observed that approximately 80% of the roof has leaks, a problem that has worsened over time: previously, heavy rain was needed for water to penetrate; now, even light precipitation causes water ingress in the hospital.
The structural failures go beyond the roof. The automatic water pump is out of service, forcing the technical team to connect hoses to a fire hydrant to manually supply the tanks—a method that has already caused supply interruptions and affected areas such as the clinical laboratory. The hospital kitchen has been closed for more than 18 months due to pending contractual disputes at the National Directorate of Public Procurement (DNCP), and the X-ray department had its control area completely flooded, forcing the relocation of equipment. On rainy days, technicians must manually transport portable devices to prevent damage.
The construction company Paz del Chaco carried out roof repairs last year, but the fixes did not last more than a month. Due to a contractual clause requiring the company to correct defects, the project has not yet been formally accepted by IPS. The purchase of a new fixed X-ray machine has already been awarded, but its installation depends on resolving the water ingress issues.
During the visit, Fretes was approached by dozens of insured patients who reported chronic difficulties accessing consultations and a lack of medications. Mario Medina said he has been waiting since midnight seeking care and only managed to get an appointment for June 29. Rosa Escobar, a 75-year-old retired teacher, said she has been trying for months to schedule a consultation with a mastologist—her sisters died of breast cancer—and that she spends between 280,000 and 300,000 guaraníes per month on medications unavailable at IPS pharmacies. Jacqueline de Maciel, who has hypertension and diabetes, reported unsuccessfully trying for a month to get a medical appointment.
In response to the complaints, Fretes stated that three bids for purchasing medications are underway and that 83% of the formulary is already contractually covered. Logistics and Supply Manager Cecilia Rodríguez reported that delivery orders were issued last week and that approximately 65 medication items should be available within about three weeks. The IPS president asked insured patients for patience: "I took office on April 24; give us time, and we will solve the problems little by little."
After the inspection, Fretes called a technical meeting with representatives from the Logistics Management, Operational Procurement Directorate, Infrastructure Directorate, Internal Audit, Legal Directorate, and the Ministry of Health's representative on the board, Jimmy Jiménez. IPS has launched a comprehensive audit—technical, administrative, and contractual—that includes reviewing reports, work certifications, acceptance minutes, and contractual guarantees. The institution stated that if contractual breaches or administrative, civil, or criminal responsibilities are confirmed, it will pursue the appropriate actions before the competent authorities.
Fretes also announced that an artificial intelligence-based system is being developed to optimize appointment management and that spare parts to repair the clinic's angiograph have already arrived. Additionally, he revealed ongoing talks with Itaipú Binacional to install a new angiograph in Ciudad del Este, aiming to relieve congestion in the central area and benefit insured patients throughout the region, including those from Caaguazú.