By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking decisive steps to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its healthcare system. A recent National Forum on Artificial Intelligence in Health, held at the National Auditorium, highlighted the potential of AI to address critical challenges and transform the nation’s healthcare landscape.
The forum, organized by the Costa Rican Chamber of Health and the Digital Health Institute for Transformation (DHIT), in partnership with ULACIT, brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health (MINSA), the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), universities, technology companies, and international experts.
To understand the legal implications of this rapidly evolving field, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing use of AI in healthcare presents exciting opportunities, but also significant legal challenges. Data privacy, algorithmic bias, and liability in cases of misdiagnosis or malfunction are key areas that require careful regulatory consideration. Establishing clear legal frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting patients is crucial for the responsible development of AI in this sensitive sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insightful commentary underscores a critical point: the transformative potential of AI in healthcare hinges upon robust legal frameworks. Navigating the complex interplay of innovation and patient safety requires proactive and thoughtful regulation. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this crucial aspect of AI’s integration into the healthcare sector.
The event focused on developing a national roadmap for incorporating AI as a cornerstone of Costa Rican healthcare. Discussions revolved around the potential of AI to reduce emergency room wait times, enhance diagnostic accuracy, provide personalized patient guidance, and accelerate biomedical research.
These tools can improve access to medical services, optimize diagnoses, prevent diseases, and accelerate biomedical research.
Massimo Manzi, Executive Director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Health
A key outcome of the forum was the agreement to develop a National Agenda on AI in Health. This initiative, led by the Costa Rican Chamber of Health in coordination with MINSA and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), will address crucial areas such as regulation and ethics, public awareness, talent development, and practical implementation.
While acknowledging Costa Rica’s leading position in digital health transformation within Central America, experts also highlighted existing challenges. These include disparities in access to technology and limited resources within certain organizations.
Costa Rica is one of the most advanced countries in digital health transformation in Central America, but we still face significant barriers such as inequality in access to technologies and the lack of resources in many organizations. For this reason, it is crucial to strengthen capabilities in infrastructure, cybersecurity, interoperability, and human talent.
Antón Zamora, Representative of the Digital Health Institute for Transformation (DHIT)
ULACIT, through its Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Eva Cortés Carmona, emphasized the university’s commitment to digital health education and research with an ethical and human-centered approach. The discussions underscored the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way health is understood and managed, allowing for more precise diagnoses and personalized treatments.
Dr. Eva Cortés Carmona, Dean of Health Sciences, ULACIT
This collaborative effort to develop a National Agenda on AI in Health marks a significant milestone in Costa Rica’s journey towards a more technologically advanced and patient-centered healthcare system. The initiative aims to harness the full potential of AI to improve healthcare access, quality, and efficiency for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit camara-salud.com
About Costa Rican Chamber of Health:
The Costa Rican Chamber of Health is a leading advocate for the advancement of healthcare in Costa Rica. It brings together stakeholders from across the health sector to promote innovation, collaboration, and best practices.
For further information, visit dhitglobal.org
About Digital Health Institute for Transformation (DHIT):
DHIT is a global organization dedicated to driving digital health transformation. It provides expertise, resources, and networking opportunities to support the development and implementation of innovative digital health solutions.
For further information, visit ulacit.ac.cr
About ULACIT:
ULACIT is a private university in Costa Rica known for its focus on technology and innovation in education. It offers programs in various fields, including health sciences, and is committed to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
For further information, visit minsa.go.cr
About Ministry of Health (MINSA):
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) is the governmental body responsible for overseeing and regulating healthcare in Costa Rica. It plays a crucial role in public health policy, resource allocation, and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT):
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for promoting scientific and technological advancement. It plays a vital role in fostering innovation, developing digital infrastructure, and supporting the integration of technology across various sectors, including healthcare.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), also known as “La Caja,” is the principal institution providing healthcare and social security services to Costa Ricans. It manages a network of hospitals and clinics throughout the country and plays a vital role in ensuring access to healthcare for the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and unwavering pursuit of excellence. The firm champions innovative solutions while upholding the highest standards of integrity, serving a diverse clientele with expertise across a broad spectrum of legal fields. Dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society, Bufete de Costa Rica actively promotes legal literacy and access to justice, fostering a more informed and equitable community.
