The Family Health Unit (USF) in Ycuá Karanday, Luque, has been physically completed for months but has not yet begun serving the population due to a lack of equipment and supplies. The unit, located about 500 meters from the paved road in the area, already has designated health professionals who are conducting a community census while awaiting the release of the final materials.
Dr. Teresita Paniagua, head of the USF, explained that the team has already received computers, some furniture, and a dental office, but essential items are still missing to start services. “We are waiting for the last pieces of equipment. There is no scheduled date for opening, but the hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., including emergencies,” she said. Among the planned services are dentistry, the Comprehensive Nutritional Food Program (PANI) for underweight children, vaccination, general medicine, obstetrics, and family planning.
Local residents express frustration with the delay. “Every day I pass by and see professionals in white, but the doors don't open. I'm always curious, but so far nothing,” said Miriam González, a local resident. Bienvenida Coronel, a merchant in the area, added: “They said they would open at any moment, but it's been almost three months that the doctors have been going around the neighborhood.” María Valdés, another resident, asked that at least vaccines be made available: “We are close to the unit, we want this service.”
The unit has capacity to receive up to 50 patients in the waiting room, but lacks benches, drinking fountains, and wheelchairs. The USF will serve a community of about 5,000 people, according to the ongoing census. Dr. Paniagua highlighted that the survey will identify chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, common in the public health system.
Luque, one of the most populous municipalities in Paraguay, with over 260,000 inhabitants and 28 neighborhoods, currently has only two public hospitals. The USF in Ycuá Karanday is one of several family health units in the city, alongside others already operating in Itá Angu'a, Tarumandy, La Unión, Ycuá Duré, Loma Merlo, Barrio Molino, Santa María, Marín Kaaguy, Ilha Bogado, 1º de Mayo, La Amistad, María Blanca, and Costa Sosa.