NICARAGUA’S opposition was widely derided on Saturday after staging a minuscule protest as the government launched a major drive to combat an outbreak of dengue fever.

Fewer than 20 people formed a “picket” at the National Medical Unit in Managua, with sources mocking the pitiful turnout as indicative of the lack of popular support for the opposition in Nicaragua.

Protesters blamed the police presence for the lack of numbers. They were allowed to hold their action, which lasted about an hour, despite claiming that demonstrations are banned by the government.

Similar action held in the capital last week highlighted media manipulation when a demonstration of around 20 people was presented as a mass anti-government protest by clever use of camera angles.

But photographs taken from surrounding buildings showed a tiny number of people gathered outside a corporate building, leading to memes mocking the so-called “puchitos.”

Demonstrators at the medical centre on Saturday claimed to be protesting against the dismissal of health workers by the Sandinista government. 

Those gathered insisted they were doctors unhappy at the state of the country’s health system and lay-offs of its workforce, claiming more than 400 have been dismissed in Esteli, Chinandega and Leon without being replaced.

But the accusations are denied by the government and have been widely dismissed as opposition propaganda. 

Scores of health professionals, including doctors and medical students, spoke to the Star during a recent visit to Nicaragua.

They heaped praise on the improvements made to the country’s health system by the Sandinista government.

Healthcare is free for Nicaraguans and visitors, with plans to build 17 new hospitals across the country. 

Videos circulating on social media suggested that those protesting were neither doctors or medical students.

Footage showed at least one who appeared to be holding a weapon while posing with an armed gang during last year’s violent attempted coup against the government.

Journalist Darlin Gonzalez said: “If those people are doctors, then I am an astronaut.”

She told the Star: “No-one supports them [the opposition]. But as they continue to try to show another image of the country, the mask continues to slip.”

Vice-President Rosario Murillo announced government efforts to halt the spread of dengue fever as the Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert decree.

Teams spread across the country giving health advice and fumigating buildings and properties.

“We have an alert situation in the region and we must act responsibly,” Ms Murillo said.