IN REACTION to widespread criticism  of  his authorizing  over $17,000 in payment for hospital bills of Rolando López, executive secretary of the National Security Council, plus payments for  other government officials, President Juan Carlos Varela said that he will offer housing, including hotels for people waiting for surgeries.

The funding will come from the $2.3 billion Social Security  has in a banking account. Account.

Social Security will work on implementing the plan in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Presidency.

The proposal has prompted criticism from some sectors due to the enormous expense the government will incur.

"He doesn't know what he is talking about," said former Sopcial Security Director Marianela Morales. "This is an emotional reaction," reports La Prensa

Others have said that Varela made the promise without understanding how many people will be impacted.