Editorial dossier
Instituto De Prevision Social
The Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) is Paraguay’s social insurance system for many formal-sector workers and also operates its own network of hospitals, clinics and benefits. That is why IPS appears not only in stories about pensions and payroll contributions, but also medicines, waiting times, employer duties, reserves and public investment. This dossier brings together Pytagua coverage of how the system is financed, what insured people can claim, and where administration, health care or oversight becomes important in practice.
Essential background and explainers
Latest relevant coverage
IPS authorized a 550 million guarani tender to supply eyeglasses after canceling a contract scheduled to run through November 2026. Óptica María Auxiliadora disputes the decision and is seeking payments it says remain outstanding despite investments made to serve insured members.
The removal of a 14-kilogram liposarcoma at the IPS Regional Hospital in Ciudad del Este shows that complex surgery can be performed locally, serving patients in Alto Paraná without requiring travel to Asunción.
Days before municipal elections, Asunción’s collective agreement provides for costly benefits and was fast-tracked under union pressure, while reports differ over claims that it was driven by electoral motives. Camilo Pérez criticized the agreement and outlined proposals for management and neighborhood public works.
Eligible voluntary IPS categories under Law 4933/2013 currently contribute 13% of declared effective earnings, using at least the legal minimum wage as the base. With the minimum wage at Gs. 3,044,000 in September 2026, the minimum contribution is Gs. 395,720. While active, this route funds pension coverage rather than ordinary IPS health insurance.
Paraguay has opened its first Robotic Surgery Training Center, equipped with the South Korean REVO-i system, in a cooperative initiative between the two countries aimed at training professionals and positioning Paraguay as a regional training center.
During a surprise ‘Taguato’ visit to San Lorenzo General Hospital, Paraguay’s health minister, Isaías Fretes, pointed to staff shortages and laboratory problems, toured services including diagnostic imaging, and advocated protocols and audits to reduce unnecessary tests.
IPS cut the temporary cap on the Banco Atlas trust account from G. 160 billion to G. 80 billion, making up to G. 80 billion available to the Sickness and Maternity Fund while leaving payments on bonds that financed infrastructure works unchanged. The bank said the funds held in the account generated financial returns and that it will continue working with the institute and regulatory authorities.
Roberto González (ANR) threatened to seek the impeachment of BCP President Carlos Carvallo Spalding, also spelled Carlos Cavallo Spalding, unless questions about Ueno, the custody of public funds and possible conflicts of interest are clarified. He also challenged the “neopeñistas” to defend the government of Santiago Peña’s actions.