Authorities have presented the technical and social details of the future General Hospital of the Chaco during a meeting held in Mariscal Estigarribia, in the department of Boquerón. The briefing brought together local authorities, community leaders and representatives of 77 Indigenous communities.
According to official projections, the new hospital will benefit approximately 150,000 people across the region. The initiative is being promoted by the Government of Paraguay through Itaipú Binacional, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS). Alonside, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).
The presentation of the General Hospital of the Chaco
During the presentation, officials outlined the General Hospital of the Chaco’s technical characteristics, construction timeline, and the social, environmental, and occupational health components incorporated into the project. The expected benefits for the population of the Chaco were also highlighted.
The future medical centre will provide medium and high-complexity care for adult, paediatric, and gynaecological-obstetric patients. The project includes a special focus on culturally appropriate services for Indigenous people. The building will cover 13,850 square metres within a property of approximately 8.5 hectares.
The General Hospital of the Chaco, a modern and inclusive hospital
Facilities at the General Hospital of the Chaco will include inpatient wards, intensive care units, emergency services, and operating rooms. Additional services are diagnostic imaging, laboratory facilities, outpatient consulting rooms, a pharmacy, a central sterilisation unit, and a morgue.
Administrative, logistical, and support areas are also part of the design. The hospital will feature adapted services and a designated focal point to ensure respectful and appropriate access for Indigenous communities. The works will be carried out by Western Health Consortium, with an execution period of 21 months. Additionally, the construction phase will include the installation of a temporary on-site compound.
Social, environmental, and citizen participation components
Authorities stressed that environmental protection, as well as worker and community safety, will be priorities throughout the construction process. The project includes communication strategies, citizen participation spaces, and formal mechanisms to channel enquiries and complaints.
From a social perspective, priority will be given to hiring local labour. Compensation measures will also be implemented in the event of affected assets, alongside a specific plan to manage potential impacts on Indigenous communities.
Environmental measures will include forest management practices, comprehensive waste management, emission control, and the restoration of intervened areas. In terms of occupational health and safety, prevention, hygiene, and contingency programmes will be developed.
Economic impact and strengthening of the healthcare system
Beyond expanding access to healthcare, the project is expected to generate employment and stimulate the local economy. A central objective of the General Hospital of the Chaco is to strengthen the healthcare network in the Western Region.
Once operational, the hospital will reduce the need for long-distance transfers for specialised medical care, a long-standing challenge for residents of the Chaco. Authorities also confirmed that a consultation and complaints system will remain active throughout the execution period. Enquiries may be submitted through the channels enabled by the MOPC, the project’s supervisory body, and the contractor’s on-site office and official contact numbers.
