LatinNews Daily - 15 September 2026

*Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña has announced a G$2m (US$333) pay increase for doctors after reaching an agreement with the nation’s medical union (Sinamed). The decision follows the formation of a special senate commission to address the healthcare crisis amid weeks of strikes organised by Sinamed, which had called for higher wages, better working conditions, and an end to medical supply shortages. Peña praised the impact of the agreement in a statement on social media, stating: “I want more doctors, a stronger public health system, and a Paraguay where every citizen receives the care they deserve.” A day prior, Peña had appointed Isaías Fretes as the country’s new health minister, replacing María Teresa Barán Wasilchuk (2023-2026). At a press conference, Fretes hailed the agreement as “historic”, while Rossana González, the general secretary of Sinamed, said: “We are immensely grateful for this opening and for having a proposal today that meets the needs of the people here.” Despite the agreement, Sinamed has not immediately cancelled the strike action it had called for 21-22 September, although a meeting of its general assembly is due to discuss the strike tomorrow (16 September).

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