In an interview with Radio Nacional del Paraguay, Dr. Juan María Martínez, director of the Seventh Health Region, celebrated the addition of new high-complexity ambulances delivered yesterday by President Santiago Peña, intended to reinforce the response capacity of the Gran Hospital del Sur de Encarnación.
“We have a high-tech ambulance available for the Itapúa hospital, which is equipped for ground and air transport. It has a heliport and is only two kilometers from the Encarnación airport, making it a national logistics center,” explained Martínez.
“We delivered 26 of the 201 new ambulances that will be added to the health system throughout the country. They are equipped and ready to save lives where they are most needed. We are transforming public health: with more hospitals, more staff, more services. Because the health of Paraguayans cannot wait,” President Peña said yesterday.
With this new unit, Itapúa now has three high-complexity ambulances, strengthening its role as a regional and national reference center within the framework of the Paraguay Rally Legacy Plan.
Among the most notable investments is the construction of a trauma ward and a burn ward at the Gran Hospital del Sur, specialties that until now were only available in the country’s capital. This decentralization will allow for faster and more specialized care for the population in the south.
“This legacy is not only for the event, but for the future of public health in the region,” emphasized the regional director.
Ambulances will strengthen the national healthcare system
President Santiago Peña stated yesterday that “These ambulances will be for the SEME system and, of course, for the departmental capitals. This is an investment in different types of transport units, with mobile intensive care equipment, some with 4×4 traction, designed to operate in rural, urban, and hard-to-reach areas. They all have a single purpose: to save lives and put the state at the service of those who need it most. This effort is part of a broader investment, unprecedented in the history of Paraguay, so that people can be better cared for and closer to their homes.”
For her part, the Minister of Health added that this is a way to strengthen Paraguay’s health system. Ambulances are tools that are used for the benefit of the population and are part of a national effort to improve emergency response. “Health is a priority for the Paraguayan government, and the teamwork led by the president and the support of Itaipú Binacional is essential to improving the health system. We want Paraguay’s health system to be a health system that every Paraguayan deserves. This renewal of SEME’s fleet of vehicles will be complete, and all health regions will benefit for the good of our compatriots,” she said.
The 2025 ueno Rally del Paraguay will take place from August 28 to 31, with its epicenter in the department of Itapúa, and will be the tenth date on the official calendar of the FIA World Rally Championship, marking Paraguay’s historic debut as host of the event.
