Healthcare System in Paraguay: everything you need to know.

How does the Paraguayan healthcare system work?

The Paraguayan healthcare system consists of two sectors, a public and a private sector. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Paraguay was one of the countries that suffered the most due to the lack of ICU beds and the low quality of the system in all its sectors. About 27% of the population is cared for in the private system, which, unlike many other countries, is not of high quality. Citizens must pay most of the health care costs since the government has a very low budget for this service.

Public hospitals suffer from a shortage of supplies and are often overcrowded, with patients waiting in the hallways to see a doctor. According to the Pan American Health Organization, Paraguay has an uncoordinated and fragmented health system, thus unable to properly serve its citizens.

Regardless, those with access to the private system have better access to specialized treatments, since, unlike the public system, it is not collapsed.

This is why many locals choose to leave the country when trying to get medical care. Either to neighboring countries such as Brazil or Argentina, or those with more money to the USA. In rural areas is where access to health and emergency services is more complicated. 

How does the health care system operate for foreigners?

If it is very difficult for locals to get adequate health care, it is the same situation for foreigners. If you suffer an accident during your trip to Paraguay, you will have to pay for medical attention if you decide to be treated in the public or private system. In the private system you will find better care and you will have the opportunity to be seen by a doctor without having to wait for a long time.

If you are going to live in Paraguay, you can access health care in either system. If you have the ability to pay, go to a private health care provider, this will be the best option.

Due to the nature of the local health care system, it is likely that if you need quality care you will have to spend a lot of money. Because of the lack of regulation and the fragmentation of the system in general, it is difficult to find a good health center. However, Asunción is where you will be able to access the best health care in the country.

Because of all these limitations in the system, it is important to have health insurance when traveling to Paraguay. Since you will have to pay for proper care yourself, insurance coverage in Paraguay will provide you reimbursement for the services you use.

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What do I do if I have an emergency in Paraguay?

The emergency line in Paraguay is 911. Through this system you can request assistance from police, firefighters and ambulances. There is also a pre-hospital medical emergency service, the telephone number is: 206 206.

As with all health services, it is much easier to receive emergency assistance in the capital city than in rural areas. There are reports of many people who have died waiting for an ambulance to arrive. If you are able to travel to a health center by your own means, it may be the best option to attend your emergency. 

How do pharmacies operate in Paraguay?

Pharmacies are regulated by the Ministry of Health.

During the pandemic, many physicians from the public system protested against the Ministry due to the lack of medicines and medical supplies. They also complained about the lack of vaccines for the population.

The prices of medicines in Paraguay are in the average of the region, not being the cheapest, but not the most expensive as in Uruguay and Argentina.

As in many other countries, there is the option of buying medicines online, thus facilitating the purchase of medicines.  

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Paraguay because of Covid-19. It is important that you ask for a proof of entry to the customs agent at the moment of entering the country, since you may be asked for it at the exit.