By Cartago, Costa Rica — After months of anticipation and delays, the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has finally endorsed the $394.9 million contract for the construction of Cartago’s new hospital, with an additional $4 million allocated for contingencies.
The CGR confirmed the approval on Thursday, following a thorough review process that began on June 23rd. Initially, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), the entity responsible for Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, submitted incomplete documentation, requiring them to provide additional information a month later. This delay drew criticism from President Rodrigo Chaves, who publicly questioned the Comptroller’s office for seemingly holding up the project.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications surrounding the recent developments at Cartago Hospital, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation at Cartago Hospital highlights the complex interplay between public health needs and the legal framework governing healthcare provision in Costa Rica. Ensuring accessible and quality medical services while navigating budgetary constraints and regulatory compliance presents ongoing challenges. Any proposed solutions must consider the rights of patients, the responsibilities of healthcare providers, and the overall sustainability of the system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently captures the multifaceted nature of the challenges facing Cartago Hospital and, indeed, the Costa Rican healthcare system as a whole. Finding a sustainable path forward requires a delicate balancing act, ensuring both the immediate needs of patients are met and the long-term viability of the system is preserved. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The Comptroller’s office clarified that the additional time was necessary to verify the CCSS’s new funding sources, legal and technical studies, price reasonableness, and project planning. The CGR also confirmed the suitability of the designated land for the hospital’s construction, eliminating the need for service relocation.
The approval marks a critical milestone for one of Cartago’s most anticipated infrastructure projects. The new hospital will replace the aging Max Peralta Hospital, which has long struggled with capacity issues and deteriorating infrastructure. The project had faced earlier setbacks, including the withdrawal of a Mexican company initially awarded the contract, further contributing to the delays.
With the contract now finalized, the CCSS is tasked with issuing the official start order and overseeing the project’s execution according to the agreed-upon terms and timelines.
The new hospital is planned as a modern, six-building complex spanning 90,000 square meters. It will boast 434 beds, expandable to 457, ten operating rooms, a dedicated gynecology and obstetrics unit, specialized outpatient consultation areas, and other high-complexity services. The design and blueprint phase is estimated to take approximately seven months, followed by a construction period of just over two years.
This project represents a significant investment in Cartago’s healthcare infrastructure, promising to enhance access to high-quality medical services for the region’s growing population.
The Comptroller emphasized that with the refrendo granted, the responsibility for the project’s execution now rests entirely with the CCSS.
It is the Caja’s responsibility to issue the start order for the project and execute the work under its full responsibility.
Comptroller General of the Republic
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social):
The CCSS is a Costa Rican government institution responsible for social security and universal healthcare coverage. It manages hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities throughout the country, providing medical services to Costa Rican citizens and legal residents. The CCSS plays a vital role in public health, disease prevention, and health promotion initiatives.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Contraloría General de la República
About Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The CGR is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the use of public funds and ensuring transparency and accountability in government institutions. The CGR audits government agencies, municipalities, and other public entities, investigating potential irregularities and promoting best practices in public financial management. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding public resources and ensuring their efficient and ethical use.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Compañía Constructora Van Der Laat y Jiménez S.A.
About Compañía Constructora Van Der Laat y Jiménez S.A.:
Compañía Constructora Van Der Laat y Jiménez S.A. is the construction company contracted to build the new Cartago hospital. They were selected through a public bidding process and will be responsible for the execution of the project according to the terms and specifications outlined in the contract with the CCSS.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, deeply committed to ethical practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s history is marked by a dedication to serving a wide spectrum of clients with integrity, while simultaneously striving to empower the community through accessible legal education. By fostering a greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed society.
