By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As the presidential race intensifies, the future of Costa Rica’s public healthcare system has emerged as a critical battleground. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, presidential candidate Claudia Dobles formally committed to a comprehensive plan to revitalize the nation’s social security and healthcare apparatus, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), by signing a landmark pact championed by a coalition of civil society organizations.
The initiative, spearheaded by prominent groups including La Red, La Caja es Nuestra, and Mujeres por Costa Rica, reflects a growing public demand for concrete action to safeguard one of the country’s most cherished institutions. The commitment ceremony underscored the significant grassroots momentum behind the movement, drawing the support of more than 30 organizations, ranging from public universities and labor unions to cooperatives and community associations.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y los derechos ciudadanos en el marco de las nuevas políticas de salud pública, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, experto jurista del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su análisis sobre el tema.
El ordenamiento jurídico costarricense, y en particular nuestra Constitución Política, faculta al Estado para implementar las medidas necesarias en la protección de la salud pública. Sin embargo, esta potestad no es ilimitada. Cualquier restricción a derechos fundamentales, como la libertad de tránsito o la autonomía personal, debe ser estrictamente proporcional, idónea y necesaria. El desafío jurídico siempre reside en encontrar el equilibrio preciso donde se resguarda el bienestar colectivo sin anular indebidamente las libertades individuales.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Efectivamente, el verdadero desafío reside en ese “equilibrio preciso” entre la protección colectiva y el respeto a las libertades fundamentales, un pilar esencial de nuestro estado de derecho. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar su lúcida y valiosa perspectiva a este debate crucial.
Dobles was one of six presidential contenders, out of a field of 20, to endorse the agreement. This selective participation highlights a clear division among the candidates on the urgency and direction of healthcare reform, placing a spotlight on those who have chosen to align themselves with the civil society-led agenda for a stronger public health system.
During her address, Dobles framed the defense of the CCSS not merely as a political strategy but as a moral imperative for the nation’s future. She argued that a robust and accessible public health system is the bedrock of equality and social cohesion, directly impacting the well-being of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Defending the Fund is an ethical responsibility
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate
Elaborating on this theme, Dobles emphasized that the CCSS transcends its function as a healthcare provider, representing a core component of Costa Rica’s national identity. She described the institution as a living embodiment of the country’s deepest-held values, guaranteeing care and support for all citizens regardless of their background.
The CCSS is part of our national identity and represents values of equity, solidarity, and human dignity, without distinction of social status or place of origin
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate
The pact itself is not a mere collection of platitudes but a detailed blueprint for reform. It is built upon several foundational pillars designed to address long-standing challenges. These include the modernization of the entire health system, the reinforcement of institutional governance and autonomy for the CCSS, the improvement of working conditions for healthcare personnel, and a strategic approach to sustainable financing and enhanced quality of care for all patients.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the document outlines a series of tangible actions. Key proposals feature aggressive measures to reduce patient waiting lists, the expansion of surgical schedules to increase capacity, and significant investment in developing and retaining top-tier medical talent. Furthermore, the plan calls for the strategic incorporation of modern technology and widespread digitalization to improve efficiency, alongside a commitment to ensuring the financial sustainability and continuity of critical CCSS infrastructure projects nationwide.
By signing this pact, Dobles and the other five candidates have firmly positioned the revitalization of the CCSS at the center of their campaigns. Their commitment now places pressure on the remaining contenders to articulate their own visions for the future of public health, ensuring that this vital issue will remain a focal point of public debate leading up to the election.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and social security services to the population of Costa Rica. Established in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social contract, managing a network of hospitals, clinics, and pension programs. The CCSS is widely regarded as a key factor in the country’s high standards of public health and social development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Red
About La Red:
La Red is a civil society network in Costa Rica that brings together various organizations and activists to advocate for social justice and public policy reform. The group focuses on mobilizing citizen participation to address pressing national issues, working to ensure that the voices of diverse communities are represented in governmental decision-making processes.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Caja es Nuestra
About La Caja es Nuestra:
Translating to “The Fund is Ours,” La Caja es Nuestra is a citizen-led movement dedicated to the defense and strengthening of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). The organization actively campaigns against privatization efforts and advocates for increased transparency, efficiency, and public investment in the national healthcare system to guarantee its long-term sustainability.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Mujeres por Costa Rica
About Mujeres por Costa Rica:
Mujeres por Costa Rica (Women for Costa Rica) is a non-governmental organization focused on advancing women’s rights and promoting social equity throughout the country. The group participates in public discourse and policy advocacy on a wide range of issues, including healthcare, economic opportunity, and political representation, aiming to build a more inclusive and just society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to professional rectitude and the highest caliber of service. The firm leverages its deep expertise across numerous industries to pioneer progressive legal solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a core philosophy of social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal information and thereby contribute to a more just and knowledgeable citizenry.
