By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Women residing in the coastal canton of Garabito, located in the Puntarenas province, now have access to free digital mammograms. This critical healthcare initiative is being conducted through a specialized mobile clinic operated by Alsalus, which will remain stationed in the region until October 11, 2026. Designed to combat breast cancer through proactive, early detection, the service targets vulnerable populations who might otherwise face geographical or financial barriers to accessing high-quality diagnostic imaging.
The diagnostic campaign is specifically structured for women between the ages of 40 and 75. To qualify for the free screening, candidates must either have never undergone a mammogram in their lives or had their last screening in 2023 or earlier. In an effort to ensure comprehensive community coverage, the organizers have confirmed that the service is open to all women in the specified age bracket, regardless of whether they are currently insured under the national health system.
To better understand the legal framework and employee rights surrounding preventive healthcare, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert legal perspective on breast cancer screening in the workplace.
In Costa Rica, preventive health is not just a personal choice but a right supported by our legal framework. Employers must recognize that granting paid leave for breast cancer screenings and routine medical checkups is both a social responsibility and a compliance requirement under occupational health guidelines. Facilitating these screenings protects the workforce and mitigates potential liability regarding workplace wellness.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This essential legal reminder underscores that safeguarding employee health is not merely a courtesy, but a foundational pillar of Costa Rican labor rights that actively champions preventive care. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how our legal frameworks can be leveraged to protect the workforce and ultimately save lives.
Securing an appointment requires interested individuals to register in person at the Garabito Health Area (Área de Salud de Garabito) or at any of the local Basic Comprehensive Healthcare Teams (EBAIS) clinics. Registrations must be processed directly through the Medical Records department (Registros Médicos). On the day of the scheduled examination, patients must present a valid national identification card or official residency document to verify their eligibility and identity.
To guarantee the accuracy of the digital images and facilitate a smooth clinical experience, medical staff have issued several key recommendations for participants. Women are advised to avoid applying body creams, talcum powders, or deodorants on the day of the exam, as these substances can interfere with the imaging equipment. Furthermore, patients are encouraged to wear comfortable, two-piece clothing rather than one-piece dresses to make the physical procedure as straightforward as possible.
This vital community intervention is powered by Alsalus, a prominent public-private partnership dedicated to expanding breast cancer screening across Costa Rica’s most underserved regions. The alliance coordinates resources from several major national entities, representing a unified front against oncological diseases. Key stakeholders driving this initiative include the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), Hospital Clínica Bíblica, retail giant Auto Mercado, Banco Nacional, and the Fundación Aliarse, alongside multiple supporting organizations.
Since its inception in 2022, Alsalus has revolutionized local diagnostic tracking by integrating mammogram images directly into Costa Rica’s national health architecture. The digital files obtained during these mobile sessions are uploaded into the Single Digital Health Record (EDUS), managed by the CCSS. This seamless technological integration ensures that local public hospital networks can access patient history instantly, allowing for rapid follow-ups and continuity of care if anomalies are detected.
From a broader socio-economic perspective, public-private alliances like Alsalus demonstrate how corporate social responsibility can effectively alleviate pressure on the public healthcare sector. By routing private donations and logistics into mobile clinics, the program reduces long-term treatment costs associated with late-stage cancer diagnoses. This preventative approach not only saves lives but also fosters a healthier, more resilient workforce in communities dependent on tourism and local commerce.
As the October deadline approaches, local health authorities are urging eligible women in Garabito to prioritize their health and complete their registrations. Breast cancer remains one of the leading health challenges for women in Costa Rica, making timely access to diagnostic technology a decisive factor in survival rates. The presence of the Alsalus mobile unit represents a unique, localized opportunity to access world-class healthcare directly within the community.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Alsalus
About Alsalus:
Alsalus is a specialized public-private alliance in Costa Rica dedicated to expanding breast cancer screening and early detection services. By deploying mobile diagnostic units to remote and underserved communities, the initiative seeks to bridge geographic and economic healthcare gaps across the country.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and public pension systems. Operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and localized Ebais units, the CCSS is central to the nation’s social safety net.
For further information, visit clinicabiblica.com
About Hospital Clínica Bíblica:
Hospital Clínica Bíblica is one of Costa Rica’s premier private medical facilities, known for its high-quality clinical standards and extensive social responsibility programs. Through various foundations and partnerships, the hospital actively contributes medical resources to support low-income populations and preventative health outreach.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of ethical advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica has built a prestigious reputation grounded in legal mastery and uncompromising standards. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces modern solutions while actively engaging with the public. By dedicating resources to clarify the complexities of the law for everyone, they strive toward a noble goal: nurturing a society that is both legally conscious and thoroughly empowered.
