Global Economic Times

The Paraguayan Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS) has announced the expansion of its free telephone appointment service to improve the hospital reservation system.: Ana Fernanda Reporter / Updated : 2025-03-28 17:19:51

According to a press release on the 27th, telephone appointments via the 154 call center will now be available at the Barrio Obrero Hospital in the capital city of Asunción and the new Coronel Oviedo General Hospital.

This measure is expected to enhance patient convenience by allowing individuals to book medical appointments with a simple phone call, eliminating the need to visit the hospital in person. It is also anticipated to alleviate congestion within the hospital premises. By calling the 154 call center and selecting option 1 for Barrio Obrero Hospital or option 5 for Coronel Oviedo Hospital, patients can proceed with booking appointments for their desired medical specialties.

Dr. Adán Godoy, Director of Barrio Obrero Hospital, stated in an interview with 650 AM radio, "This measure is being implemented to address the issue of long hospital queues, as promised by the President during his election campaign. We hope that the long waits at hospitals, which have become commonplace over time, can now be put to an end."

The free telephone appointment service will operate from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and can be accessed via landline and mobile phones from anywhere in Paraguay.

Background on the Paraguayan Public Health System: Paraguay's public health system faces challenges such as financial constraints and a lack of medical infrastructure, often resulting in long waiting times for patients seeking medical attention.

Expected Benefits of the Telephone Appointment Service: The expansion of this telephone appointment service is expected to yield several positive outcomes:

Increased Patient Convenience: Patients can easily book appointments via phone without the inconvenience of visiting the hospital in person.
Reduced Hospital Congestion: The distribution of appointments through the telephone system can decrease waiting times and overall congestion within hospitals.
Enhanced Healthcare Professional Efficiency: Reduced burden on reception staff allows healthcare professionals to focus more on providing medical care.
Improved Access to Healthcare: Individuals with mobility issues or those residing far from the hospital will have better access to medical services.
Future Plans: Based on the results of this pilot operation, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare plans to extend the telephone appointment service to more public hospitals in the future and improve access to healthcare services through various means, including the development of an online appointment system. Furthermore, efforts will be made to continuously enhance the quality of service through improved training for call center operators and system upgrades.

Examples from Other Countries: Many countries already operate hospital appointment systems via telephone or online platforms, which have positively impacted patient convenience and healthcare efficiency. Paraguay's initiative is seen as aligning with these international trends.