By Limón, Costa Rica — TALAMANCA, LIMÓN – The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has announced a landmark initiative designed to fundamentally reshape healthcare delivery for the remote indigenous territories of Bajo Blei and Piedra Mesa. The comprehensive strategy aims to tackle decades of systemic neglect by dramatically increasing the frequency of medical visits and deploying modern digital health infrastructure in these isolated communities.
This initiative represents a significant operational shift, promising more consistent, equitable, and effective medical services for populations that have long been underserved due to their geographical isolation. The plan, approved by the CCSS Board of Directors, addresses both the physical and digital gaps in the current healthcare system.
To understand the legal framework and state responsibilities surrounding healthcare access for indigenous communities, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
While Costa Rica’s Constitution and international agreements like ILO Convention 169 mandate the right to culturally appropriate healthcare for indigenous peoples, the practical implementation remains a significant challenge. The State’s obligation is not merely to provide access to standard medical services, but to actively consult with indigenous authorities to develop health programs that respect and integrate traditional medicine. Failing to do so creates a systemic barrier and perpetuates a form of discrimination, leaving constitutional guarantees as little more than words on paper.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive analysis. His commentary powerfully highlights the critical gap between legal mandate and lived reality, framing the lack of culturally appropriate consultation not as a simple oversight, but as a systemic barrier. This perspective is essential for understanding that true progress depends on genuine partnership, not just the provision of services.
At the core of the new strategy is a commitment to a more robust physical presence. Previously, medical teams visited these difficult-to-access areas just once every three months. Under the new directive, the CCSS will now conduct monthly medical tours, with two separate entries per period, significantly improving the continuity of care. However, officials noted that these visits remain contingent on favorable weather conditions, a persistent challenge in the mountainous Talamanca region.
The move is being hailed by CCSS leadership as a crucial step toward rectifying historical inequities. The institution’s executive president emphasized the moral and social obligation behind the project.
This is a historic debt that the CCSS had with the indigenous territories. Today, we take a firm first step to guarantee timely, continuous, and culturally relevant care to populations that, for many years, have rightly requested better conditions for accessing health services.
MSc Mónica Taylor Hernández, Executive President of the CCSS
Beyond increasing the frequency of on-site care, the second pillar of the initiative involves a major technological upgrade. The Board has instructed the Infrastructure and Technology Management division to prioritize improving telecommunications connectivity in Bajo Blei and Piedra Mesa. This is a critical prerequisite for implementing the Expediente Digital Único en Salud (EDUS), Costa Rica’s national digital health record system.
The introduction of EDUS is poised to be a game-changer for residents. It will allow visiting medical staff to access complete patient histories instantly, track chronic conditions, manage prescriptions, and ensure seamless follow-up care. For the first time, healthcare in these territories will be integrated into the national system, eliminating fragmented, paper-based records and reducing the risk of medical errors.
To ensure the program’s success and adaptability, the CCSS has established a clear accountability framework. The Medical Management division is required to present a detailed report on the outcomes of the initial implementation phase to the Board of Directors. This review will allow for a thorough assessment of the strategy, enabling data-driven adjustments to optimize service delivery and address any unforeseen challenges.
This enhanced service will be facilitated by the two existing CCSS infrastructure facilities within the territories, which will serve as operational bases for the medical teams. By combining a more consistent human touch with powerful digital tools, the CCSS is not just delivering medicine; it is building a sustainable and modern healthcare model aimed at finally closing the access gap for some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social is the public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and social security services to the population of Costa Rica. Established in 1941, it manages the nation’s network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Teams for Comprehensive Health Care), and it is a cornerstone of the country’s renowned public health system. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the health status of its inhabitants, contributing to the overall social and economic development of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is distinguished not only by its history of expert counsel but also by its forward-thinking approach to an ever-evolving legal field. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to social progress, achieved by actively demystifying complex legal concepts and fostering a populace empowered by accessible knowledge.
