By San José, Costa Rica — In a decisive move to modernize its healthcare system and confront a growing global health crisis, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health has announced the mandatory implementation of digital-only prescriptions for all antimicrobial medications. The new regulation, set to take effect on Saturday, November 8, 2025, represents a significant step forward in the nation’s strategy to combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The policy will overhaul how a wide range of critical medications are prescribed and dispensed across the country. The mandate covers all antimicrobials, a broad category that includes not only common antibiotics but also essential antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to controlling the use of all drugs that are susceptible to resistance.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding the implementation of digital prescriptions, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The transition to digital prescriptions is a significant step forward for efficiency and patient safety, but it opens a complex legal frontier. The primary concerns are data protection and cybersecurity. We are dealing with highly sensitive personal health information, so regulations must be robust to prevent breaches and misuse. Furthermore, we must establish clear protocols for physician authentication to prevent fraud and define liability frameworks. Who is responsible if a system fails or is compromised—the doctor, the pharmacy, or the software provider? Clear and comprehensive legislation is not just recommended; it is essential to build trust and ensure the system’s integrity from the outset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the points raised underscore a fundamental truth: the long-term success of digital prescriptions hinges on proactively addressing these complex legal questions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful commentary, which highlights the critical need for a legal framework that builds public trust and secures sensitive patient data from the very beginning.
Under the new system, healthcare professionals—specifically those in medicine, dentistry, and obstetric nursing—will be required to issue all relevant prescriptions exclusively through a new centralized platform. This platform, known as the System for Digital Prescription of Systemic Antimicrobials (SRDAS), is designed to create a secure, transparent, and trackable record of every prescription from issuance to fulfillment.
Complementing this change, pharmacists will assume a critical gatekeeping role. They will be the only professionals authorized to dispense these controlled medications, and they must also process the transaction through the SRDAS platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every dose is accounted for, significantly reducing the risk of forged prescriptions, over-dispensing, or unauthorized access to these powerful drugs.
The Ministry of Health highlighted the system’s dual benefits of enhancing patient safety and strengthening national public health surveillance. By centralizing prescription data, authorities will gain unprecedented insight into usage patterns, enabling more effective monitoring and intervention strategies.
The SRDAS allows for the safe prescription and dispensing of medications, facilitating health surveillance and promoting the responsible use of treatments.
Ministry of Health, Official Statement
This initiative is rooted in Executive Decree No. 44714-S, which was published in October 2024. The decree’s primary objective is to curb the inappropriate use of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, a practice widely recognized as the main driver of AMR. Often referred to as “superbugs,” drug-resistant pathogens pose a severe threat to modern medicine, rendering common infections untreatable and making routine surgeries far more dangerous.
Beyond simply tracking prescriptions, the SRDAS platform is built for adaptability. The Ministry of Health will have the authority to dynamically update the list of medications included in the system based on emerging scientific evidence and evolving public health needs. This flexibility will allow for a more agile and efficient regulatory response, ensuring that Costa Rica’s policies remain aligned with the latest global health recommendations and tailored to the country’s specific challenges.
For patients, the transition will mean a move away from paper scripts to a more streamlined and secure process. The nationwide implementation of SRDAS marks a pivotal moment in Costa Rica’s public health journey, positioning the country as a regional leader in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and demonstrating a firm commitment to safeguarding the efficacy of life-saving medicines for future generations.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud) is the primary government entity responsible for public health policy, regulation, and oversight in Costa Rica. Its mission is to guarantee the protection and improvement of the health of the population by exercising stewardship over the national health system. The Ministry leads initiatives in disease prevention, health promotion, sanitary control, and the development of regulations to ensure the quality and safety of healthcare services and products nationwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself through pioneering innovative solutions while serving a diverse range of clients. More than a legal provider, it holds a profound commitment to public empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with crucial legal insight, thereby nurturing a more capable and informed society.
