In Paraguay, two subsectors are responsible for health care: the public sector, formed by other institutions of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS) and the Institute of Social Welfare, and the private subsector. The MSPyBS is in charge of protecting the population’s health. It is responsible for human resources, health facilities and drugs, and maintains a regionalized system of health facilities whose geographical areas correspond to the political division of the country.

Law Nº 1032 created the National Health System, as a part of the Sector Reform strategy, whose purpose is to provide health care to all equitably, timely, efficiently, without discrimination, through interventions of promotion, recovery and rehabilitation.

Health System Profile of Paraguay

The second edition of the Profile was prepared by a group of 22 national professionals and policymakers who represent the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Health Authority, the Social Security Institute, the Hospital de Clínicas of the School of Medicine, the VIA Foundation for Development, and PAHO/WHO. The PAHO/WHO Office in Paraguay was responsible for the technical coordination of the National Group. The Development Information and Resources Center performed the external review. Final review, edition, and translation are the responsibility of the Health Systems and Policies Unit, PAHO/WHO, Washington, DC.

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Paraguay Country Profile - Health in the Americas, 2007
Link to Paraguay Ministry of Health
Link to PAHO/WHO country office in Paraguay