Paraguay’s health reform agenda took a major step forward in late February 2026, when the government signed an agreement with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. The institution is ranked first in Latin America and among the top 15 hospitals in the world. The partnership aims to reshape the management of Paraguay’s main public referral hospital. The deal was brokered through Itaipú Binacional. The agreement was signed in Asunción in a ceremony presided over by Santiago Peña.
Under the deal, the Einstein Hospital will provide its management model to the National Hospital of Itauguá. The facility is located in Itauguá, about 30 kilometres east of Asunción. At the same site, a new 1,000-bed hospital is already under construction. The partnership aims to ensure that the building, once complete, operates according to international standards.
A health reform beyond bricks and mortar
President Peña said the reform goes beyond infrastructure alone. He noted that a visit to the current hospital in February 2024 made clear that buildings alone do not guarantee results.
“We want the National Hospital of Itauguá to not only be the most modern hospital in Paraguay but a reference at an international level,” he said.
The agreement covers both the existing hospital and the future facility. In the short term, Einstein specialists will work on improving processes, staff training, patient safety, and operational flows at the current building. For the new hospital, they will advise on the design of clinical and support operations. The partnership also includes guidance on the procurement of specialist equipment and the implementation of a modern hospital management system. Once the new hospital opens, Einstein will continue providing monitoring and technical support during its first year of operation.
‘Delivering healthy lives to more human beings’
Dr Sidney Klajner, president of the Albert Einstein Hospital, said the initiative aligns with the institution’s core mission.
“We feel honoured to be chosen to work on the National Hospital of Itauguá project. It has everything to do with the purpose that inspires our organisation: delivering healthy lives to a growing number of human beings, promoting equity.”
Klajner described the partnership as comprehensive. It will cover process improvement, staff training, workflow design, clinical protocols, and digital transformation. He also highlighted a strong emphasis on humanised care.
A billion-dollar investment in Paraguay’s health reform
The agreement forms part of a broader public health investment. According to President Peña, his government secured close to US$2 billion through a 2024 renegotiation with Brazil over the terms of the Itaipú Dam. The massive hydroelectric project is jointly owned and operated by both countries on the Paraná River, which forms part of the border between them. Peña said health and infrastructure were identified as priority areas for those funds.
Two hospitals have already been completed and equipped. These include a facility in Coronel Oviedo and the Hospital del Sur. Construction is also underway at several other sites. New facilities are being developed in Concepción, Canindeyú, the Chaco, Asunción, and San Pedro.
By 2028, Peña said his government will have delivered nine new hospitals at a total cost of nearly US$700 million. He described the plan as an investment without precedent in Paraguay’s history.
