IGSS and USAC launch first Social Security Week offering on-campus health services

The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) and the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC) have launched the first Social Security Week, an initiative aimed at strengthening preventive health measures and promoting a culture of social security among university staff. The event took place at the Plaza de las Banderas on USAC’s central campus.

During this week, USAC workers had access to laboratory services and pneumococcal vaccination, including both first and second doses. These services were provided directly at their workplace to make healthcare more accessible.

The opening ceremony was led by Dr. Rudy López, advisor to the Office of Health Benefits Management at IGSS, and architect José Popá, representing USAC. Both emphasized the importance of bringing social security services closer to teaching, administrative, and service staff.

Dr. López explained that these efforts are part of IGSS’s Institutional Strategy for Preventive Medicine. “IGSS wants to be closer to its affiliates; that is why we carry out these types of campaigns that promote early disease detection and vaccination,” he said.

More than 1,500 university workers are expected to benefit from the health and vaccination activities offered during this event. Architect Popá and Dr. Óscar Chaclán, coordinator of Social Security Week, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between both institutions. “We are pleased to bring laboratory tests and vaccines directly to our workers without them having to leave campus,” they stated.

Andrea Florián from the Metropolitan University Center (CUM) and Dayan Ramírez Loj, a service assistant at USAC, thanked IGSS authorities and university officials for this initiative. “It is a great benefit because we do not have to leave or wait in line for care,” they said.

Social Security Week will take place from October 14th through 16th on USAC’s main campus with activities designed to support comprehensive health for employees. The event demonstrates a joint commitment by IGSS and USAC toward improving wellbeing within the university community.