Whether you are new to Paraguay or already living in Asunción, reliable medical care is essential. The city offers a comprehensive healthcare network with public hospitals, private sanatoriums, clinics, and health centres staffed by qualified professionals.
Understanding different types of medical facilities
Hospitals: Complete medical care including consultations, diagnostics, hospitalisation, surgeries, and emergencies from routine to complex conditions.
Sanatoriums: Smaller centres offering specialised inpatient care and surgeries. Most in Asunción are private and work with prepaid medical insurance.
Clinics or medical centres: Outpatient services including consultations, check-ups, diagnostics, and minor procedures. May operate independently or as part of sanatoriums.
Health centres and public dispensaries: Basic healthcare including consultations, vaccinations, paediatric and women’s health services. Foundation of Paraguay’s public healthcare system.
Major hospitals and sanatoriums in Asunción
Please find below a list of hospitals and sanatoriums in Asunción.
Hospital San Jorge
A military hospital under the Ministry of Defence that serves both military personnel and civilians at affordable rates. Offers operating theatres, paediatrics, trauma care, general medicine, and 24-hour emergency services. Currently undergoing modernisation. Location: Loma Pyta neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Italiano
A private, high-complexity sanatorium with Level III accreditation, offering over 40 medical specialities and advanced technology. Location: Zanotti Cavazzoni street and Avenida España, Mariscal Lopez neighbourhood, Asunción.
Centro Médico Bautista
A private institution specialising in family, paediatric, and maternal care with its own prepaid medicine plan and preventive services. Location: Villa Morra neighbourhood, Asunción.
Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
A private university hospital affiliated with the Catholic University, providing comprehensive specialised care with international standards. Location: Ykua Sati neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Migone Battilana
A private Level III sanatorium with modern facilities, multiple specialities, and integrated prepaid medicine services. Location: Eligio Ayala 1293 esquina Curupayty, San Roque neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Adventista
A comprehensive private sanatorium offering 24-hour emergency services and specialities including cardiology, neurology, and trauma care. Location: 380 Silvio Pettirossi Avenue crossed by Paí Pérez, San Roque neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Británico
A private sanatorium with comprehensive medical services, modern facilities, and prepaid medicine coverage. Location: Parapití 1155, Centro neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio San Roque
A nationally recognised private sanatorium with general care, intensive care units, and multiple specialities. Location: San Roque neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Santa Julia
Part of the San Roque Group, known for advanced medical technology and comfortable facilities for comprehensive care. Location: Jara neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Santa Bárbara
A private sanatorium with 25 years of experience offering specialised and personalised care. Location: Santísima Trinidad neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio San Martín
Features modern infrastructure and high-complexity specialities, focusing on rapid diagnosis and thorough treatment. Location: República Argentina y Encarnación, Nazareth neighbourhood, Asunción.
Sanatorio Americano
One of Paraguay’s pioneers in private medicine, equipped with operating rooms, 24-hour laboratories, intensive care units, and round-the-clock services. Location: Av. España 935 Esq. Padre Pucheau, Las Mercedes neighbourhood, Asunción.
Centro Médico La Costa
A modern private medical centre offering comprehensive healthcare services with advanced facilities and specialised medical care. Location: Avenida General José Gervasio Artigas 1500, Jara neighbourhood, Asunción.
Hospital Sirio Libanés (consulting rooms)
Consulting rooms linked to the prestigious Argentine hospital, offering advanced diagnostics and care through prepaid medicine schemes. Location: Avenida Mariscal López 868 (casi Tacuary), Centro neighbourhood, Asunción.
Specialised institutions
Now follows a list of specialised institutions in Asunción.
Institute of Tropical Medicine (IMT)
A public centre specialised in infectious and tropical diseases, providing both outpatient and inpatient care including intensive care units. Location: Jara neighbourhood, Asunción.
INERAM
INERAM (National Institute of Respiratory Diseases and Environment Dr Juan Max Boettner) is a leading public institution for respiratory health, offering comprehensive diagnosis and specialised treatments for lung diseases. Location: Avenida Venezuela 1356, Jara neighbourhood, Asunción.
Private Institute for Children
A private institute dedicated to comprehensive paediatric care with specialised technology and services. Location: Centro neighbourhood, Asunción.
Public health centres, and dispensaries
Managed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, these centres provide primary healthcare services including general consultations, disease monitoring, vaccination, paediatric and women’s health services, dental care, and minor medical procedures. Examples include:
- Health Centre No. 9 (basic and psychological services).
- Dispensary at Mercado 4 (free outpatient care).
- Various community-based health centres in different neighbourhoods to ensure accessible primary care.
Understanding prepaid medicine in Asunción
Many private sanatoriums and clinics work with prepaid medicine systems for quick access to quality medical care.
How it works: Monthly or yearly fees provide access to medical services including consultations, diagnostics, hospitalisation, surgeries, and emergency care.
Benefits: Shorter waiting times, simplified procedures, private facility access, and better service coordination.
Major providers: SPS, ASISMED, MIGONE, EBSA, SANTA CLARA, and SALUD PROTEGIDA have agreements with most private healthcare institutions.
Most sanatoriums accept prepaid medicine and private payments, though prepaid plans usually ensure faster, better coordinated care.
Practical advice for residents and foreigners
Public vs. private care
- Public hospitals: Affordable or free but longer waiting times and Spanish-speaking staff
- Private institutions: Quicker service, better facilities, often bilingual staff, may accept some international insurance plans
Documentation and insurance
Always carry passport, identification, health insurance documentation, and payment methods. Local or international health insurance covering hospitalisation is strongly recommended for longer stays.
Language and entry requirements
Spanish is primary in public institutions. Request translation help or contact your embassy if needed. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory from risk areas; measles vaccination recommended.
The healthcare landscape in Asunción continues to evolve, with the expansion of prepaid medicine networks and ongoing modernisation efforts at various facilities. This growing infrastructure ensures that both long-term residents and newcomers have access to quality medical care tailored to their needs and budgets.
For those establishing themselves in Paraguay’s capital, taking time to understand these healthcare options and securing appropriate coverage will provide peace of mind and ensure prompt access to medical services when needed.
With proper planning and documentation, navigating Asunción’s healthcare system becomes a straightforward process, allowing residents to focus on what matters most: maintaining their health and wellbeing in their new home.
As a final note, please remember to call 911 for police assistance in Paraguay, and 141 for ambulance services.
This article was written in collaboration with Cynthia González, and Tommy-Maurice Gouin, other authors from The Asunción Times.
