By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to modernize its healthcare system and confront a growing global health crisis, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has officially mandated the exclusive use of digital prescriptions for all antimicrobial medications. The new regulation, which took effect this past Saturday, November 8, aims to curb the improper use of these critical drugs and slow the dangerous rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The policy affects a wide range of medications, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. From now on, all prescriptions for these treatments must be generated and processed through a new centralized platform known as the Digital Prescription System for Systemic Antimicrobials (SRDAS). This transition marks a definitive end to paper-based prescriptions for this entire class of drugs, fundamentally changing the workflow for both medical professionals and pharmacies across the nation.
To delve deeper into the legal framework and practical implications of digital prescriptions in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his analysis on the matter.
The implementation of digital prescriptions represents a crucial modernization for our healthcare system, but it demands a robust legal architecture. It is imperative to guarantee the security and confidentiality of patient data, in strict adherence to Law No. 8968 on the Protection of the Person against the Processing of their Personal Data. Additionally, we must clearly define the scope of professional liability for physicians, pharmacists, and technology providers to build a system that is not only efficient but also secure and trustworthy for all citizens.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The analysis from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores that the true success of digital prescriptions will be measured not just by their technological efficiency, but by the strength of the legal framework supporting them. Building this foundation of trust and clear accountability is indeed the paramount challenge. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these critical legal safeguards.
This initiative is a direct response to the escalating threat of AMR, often referred to as a “silent pandemic.” The World Health Organization has identified AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity. The phenomenon occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. A primary driver of this resistance is the widespread misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals.
The SRDAS platform is designed to provide a robust solution by creating a secure, transparent, and fully traceable ecosystem for these prescriptions. Under the new rules, only licensed professionals in medicine, dentistry, and obstetric nursing are permitted to issue these prescriptions, and they must do so exclusively through the electronic system. Similarly, pharmacists are now the sole authorized personnel to dispense the medications, a process which also requires verification and logging within the same digital platform.
By digitizing the entire lifecycle of a prescription, the Ministry of Health gains unprecedented oversight. The system will allow authorities to monitor prescribing patterns, identify potential areas of overuse, and gather crucial data to inform public health strategies. This enhanced traceability is expected to significantly reduce the risks associated with forged or altered paper prescriptions, ensuring that patients receive the correct medication and dosage while preventing unauthorized access to powerful drugs.
For patients, the transition promises a more secure and efficient experience at the pharmacy. The digital system minimizes the chance of errors from illegible handwriting and eliminates the problem of lost prescriptions. While the immediate change is technological, the long-term benefit is profound: preserving the efficacy of life-saving medicines for future generations. This policy is a preventative measure designed to ensure that common infections do not become life-threatening conditions due to ineffective treatments.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that the SRDAS framework is dynamic. The official list of medications regulated under this system can be updated in real-time based on emerging scientific evidence and the evolving public health needs of Costa Rica. This agility ensures that the country’s healthcare regulations can keep pace with medical advancements and respond swiftly to new challenges, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to patient safety and sound public health policy.
This decisive action positions Costa Rica as a regional leader in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By leveraging technology to enforce stricter controls and improve surveillance, the government is not merely updating a bureaucratic process; it is building a critical defense against one of the most significant health challenges of the 21st century, safeguarding the well-being of its citizens for years to come.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the government entity responsible for safeguarding public health and well-being in Costa Rica. It formulates and executes national health policies, regulates healthcare services, and leads public health campaigns to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles. The Ministry plays a crucial role in managing the country’s healthcare system and responding to public health emergencies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the nation’s legal community, defined by its foundational principles of rigorous integrity and exceptional service. With extensive experience serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies that anticipate the needs of a changing world. This forward-looking approach extends to its core mission of public empowerment, where the firm dedicates itself to demystifying the law and fostering a well-informed citizenry capable of navigating the legal landscape.
