Itapúa’s new General Hospital, the largest and most modern hospital in the interior (meaning outside the major urban centers Asunción, and Ciudad del Este) of Paraguay, opened in Encarnación. The grand opening marks a new era in healthcare for nearly 1,000,000 people in the country.
The opening ceremony for the hospital, named “Ladislao Hrisuk Szuljew” in honour of the Hrisuk family who donated the 50+ hectare site, was attended by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, Vice President Pedro Alliana, and other national, departmental, and local officials.
The Hrisuk family is a prominent family in Paraguay, known for their significant contributions to the Encarnación region’s cultural, historical, and social landscape.
Importance of the modern hospital
Health Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare María Teresa Barán highlighted that the hospital boasts state-of-the-art equipment, funded by Itaipu Binacional. “Nearly one million people will benefit, not only from Itapúa, but also from Caazapá, Misiones, Ñeembucú, and the entire southern part of Alto Paraná,” Barán stated.
She also noted that approximately 2,500 staff members will be working at the modern hospital. “This clearly demonstrates the government’s desire to transform Paraguay’s healthcare system”, Barán added.
Hospital director outlines transition plan
Hospital Director Juan María Martínez explained that the emergency department started receiving patients immediately after the opening. Patients will be transferred from Encarnación’s Regional Hospital over the weekend, prioritised by the severity of their condition.
“Critically ill patients in intensive care will be moved first, followed by those in minimum care wards, emergency room patients, chronic patients, and finally, outpatients from Monday,” Martínez detailed.
A pillar of public healthcare in Southern Paraguay
With an imposing design spanning over 44,000 m² and a capacity to serve 2,000 people daily, the new hospital is set to become a cornerstone of public healthcare in southern Paraguay. The complex comprises nine blocks and two separate buildings: one for patients’ families and another for medical residents.
The hospital has 160 inpatient beds, 72 intensive care beds (neonatal, paediatric, and adult), 70 emergency beds, 13 operating rooms, 20 dialysis units, and 18 chemotherapy chairs. Additionally, it includes 13 operating theatres and 85 consulting rooms across four sections.
Modern hospital with state-of-the-art facilities
The modern hospital features a high-complexity laboratory offering clinical, microbiological, molecular, and bacteriological analysis. Its imaging department is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI, CT, endoscopy, ultrasound, X-ray, mammography, and bone densitometry.
The pharmacy includes a central unit, storage, and satellite locations for outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services. The Itapúa General Hospital has a national coverage area, serving Itapúa, Ñeembucú, Misiones, Caazapá, and Alto Paraná.
“A historic’ day for Itapúa”
President Peña described the opening as a historic day and the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the people of Itapúa. “This project is the product of the efforts of all Paraguayans,” Peña said.
He underscored that the successful tariff negotiations with Brazil regarding Itaipu enabled the financing of the hospital’s equipment. “This has been a dream and, above all, a struggle for many people.”
The President remarked, emphasising the significant positive impact the hospital will have on public healthcare, and patient care. The government’s investment in the project totals around US$28 million. The construction contract was awarded to Consorcio Hospitalario del Sur. The project also included a US$15 million investment from Itaipu for biomedical equipment.
