On Monday, public-sector biochemists in Paraguay joined a three-day national strike affecting approximately 177 laboratories across the country. They are demanding salary increases, better working conditions, and the provision of medical supplies and reagents in hospitals.
RELATED:
Paraná River Floods Displace 4,200 Families in Paraguay
The action was organized by the Union of Biochemists of Paraguay (UBP) and includes the suspension of outpatient laboratory tests. However, the union has guaranteed that care for emergency cases, hospitalized patients, and those in intensive care—among other priority services—will continue.
The biochemists are demanding a salary increase of 2 million guaraníes, equivalent to approximately 347 US dollars at the current exchange rate. According to biochemist Laila Peña, a professional employed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare earns 4.3 million guaraníes (746 US dollars), while a temporary contract worker receives between 3.2 and 3.6 million guaraníes (between 555 and 625 US dollars).
Peña stated that salaries in the sector have been frozen for 14 years, noting that 70% of diseases are diagnosed in laboratories. In addition to a pay adjustment, the union is requesting a larger supply of materials and reagents, as well as the formal appointment of temporary contract staff to permanent positions.
HUELGA NACIONAL |👩🔬🧑🔬📢
🗣️La Dra. Nathalia Zarza, vocera de la Unión de Bioquímicas del Paraguay (UBP), informó sobre el inicio de la medida de fuerza que se extenderá por 3 días.#1000Noticias #1000am📻🎙️
➕INFO en:👇https://t.co/TiPDktj73g pic.twitter.com/zV3Sm9xDv4
— Radio 1000 AM (@1000_am) October 26, 2026
The text reads, “NATIONAL STRIKE. Dr. Nathalia Zarza, spokesperson for the Union of Biochemists of Paraguay (UBP), announced the start of a strike action that will last for 3 days.”
In the Amambay Department, biochemists from the 13th Health Region joined the strike outside the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero. Carmen Barreto, a biochemist, told radio station Urundey 103.3 FM that participation is nearly universal nationwide, while critical services will remain operational. “Emergency, inpatient, and intensive care services will remain covered,” noted Barreto, specifying that in the emergency department, only tests related to emergency cases will be performed.
The representative explained that patients with scheduled appointments will not lose their slots, as their tests will be rescheduled—with the exception of oncology and emergency cases. She further detailed that permanent staff earn approximately five million guaraníes, while contract-based staff receive between 3.2 and 3.9 million guaraníes.
The strike comes months after public-sector doctors held protests between August and September. Following those demonstrations, President Santiago Peña’s administration authorized salary increases of approximately 2 million guaraníes ($347 USD) for more than 20,000 professionals, to take effect starting next year.
The industrial action by the biochemists aims to compel the State to address their salary demands and ensure adequate conditions for the operation of public laboratories, which are considered vital for diagnosis and healthcare across the country.
🇵🇾 Severe flooding forces thousands to evacuate in Paraguay.
Around 4,200 families have been evacuated as heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Paraná River trigger widespread flooding, threatening communities and homes.
As floodwaters continue to affect the region,… pic.twitter.com/wPJq0nxJgr
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 23, 2026
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.