Extensive clashes broke out between protesters and police in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, as the anger of many citizens erupted for the way the government is dealing with the pandemic of the new coronavirus, hours after the resignation of the Minister of Health.
The mobilization, in which thousands of people complained of corruption, lack of medicines, materials and equipment in the health system, began peacefully, but later some of those gathered threw stones and other objects at police in the center of the capital, as recorded by television cameras. ABC.
According to the APE-MPE, the police used tear gas and rubber bullets in the perimeter of the Congress. Protesters tore down barriers and set fire to roadblocks.
“It is a pity that young people have reached this point,” Interior Minister Arnaldo Yusio told Telefuturo.
The Latin American country’s health system is on the verge of collapse. The government acknowledges that there is a huge shortage of medicines for patients with COVID-19, and that almost all intensive care unit (ICU) beds are full.
Faced with the escalation of the crisis, Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni was forced to resign earlier yesterday after meeting with the country’s conservative president, Mario Abdo.
The country of approximately seven million inhabitants has so far recorded more than 3,250 deaths due to COVID-19 out of a total of 164,000 more SARS-CoV-2 cases.
Mr Matsoleni, who resigned a day after the Senate urged him to step down, has joined several top Latin American officials who were forced to step down within weeks as public outrage over the way their governments are handling the pandemic and the slow pace of vaccination campaigns.
President Abdo named Dr. Julio Vorva, Deputy Minister until yesterday, successor of Mr. Matsoleni. Dr. Borva told reporters that efforts would be made immediately to supply the country with medicines, vaccines and other items.
Paraguay records last 24 hours of SARS-CoV-2 infections. They reached 115 per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days.
At the same time, the immunization campaign is moving at a slow pace: less than 0.1% of the population has been vaccinated, according to official data.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
