President Santiago Peña inaugurated a new oncology block at the Regional Hospital of Caazapá on Friday, saying his administration is working to ensure all Paraguayans have access to "first-level" health care. Accompanied by Health Minister María Teresa Barán and local officials, Peña advocated for decentralizing services and achieving equity in care.
"We cannot accept a Paraguayan dying because of a lack of rapid medical attention," the head of state said. He also noted that the National Cancer Institute (INCAN) now has its largest budget ever and that the availability of medicines has improved. "We are decentralizing," he added.
Peña also referenced works at the National Hospital of Itauguá (HNI), describing it as the future "largest and most modern hospital in Paraguay," capable of becoming a reference in South America. He said the goal is for public-sector care to match the level that higher-income Paraguayans seek abroad, such as at Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo.
The new oncology pavilion was built by the Caazapá Governor’s Office through the Regional Health Council, and the equipment was purchased with an investment of G. 668,700,000 (about US$ 90 million) from the Binational Yacyretá Entity (EBY). Items include biomedical equipment and specialized furniture.
However, the presidential pledge contrasts with the reality of the public health system, which is marked by chronic shortages of basic oncology drugs and centralized infrastructure. Cancer patients often resort to charitable raffles or lawsuits to obtain treatment. The Comptroller General’s Office recently censured the Health Ministry’s management, citing serious failures in drug control and accounting.
The oncology block in Caazapá represents a material advance, but its effectiveness will depend on policies ensuring continuous drug supply and qualified professionals in regions outside the capital. Furthermore, this health infrastructure development may enhance regional health cooperation, contribute to cross-border health security, and improve the investment climate in the sector.