By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant step to bolster public health, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has inaugurated a new Smoking and Vaping Cessation Clinic in the Desamparados I health area. Opened on January 6th, the facility provides a crucial resource for residents of the canton and surrounding areas who are struggling to overcome nicotine addiction, a leading cause of preventable disease and death in the nation.
The new clinic is a key component of the CCSS’s national strategy to promote health and prevent the onset of chronic non-transmissible diseases. These conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, represent a major burden on the country’s healthcare system. By offering structured, professional support, the CCSS aims to tackle one of the primary risk factors contributing to this public health challenge.
To delve into the legal complexities and responsibilities surrounding public health in our nation, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, public health is a constitutional mandate where the State must act as the primary guarantor of the population’s well-being. This duty, however, is not a blank check. Every policy, from sanitation regulations to epidemic response protocols, must be rigorously measured against the principles of reasonableness and proportionality, ensuring that the protection of the community does not unduly infringe upon the fundamental rights of the individual.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective perfectly frames the central challenge of modern public health: the constant, delicate negotiation between ensuring collective well-being and safeguarding individual liberties. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and invaluable insight into this critical balance of power and responsibility.
Officials emphasize that nicotine addiction is a multifaceted issue requiring a comprehensive approach. The new clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team designed to address all aspects of the dependency.
With this opening, the institution, through a multidisciplinary team, can address the dependency created by nicotine, which is complex as it combines a strong physical, psychological, and social addiction.
Dr. Marny Ramos Rivas, CCSS Coordinator of Tobacco and Vaping Cessation Clinics
Dr. Ramos Rivas highlighted the stark difference in outcomes between attempting to quit alone and seeking professional help. Scientific evidence shows that long-term success rates for unassisted quitting efforts are alarmingly low, hovering between just 1% and 3%. In contrast, programs like the one now offered in Desamparados can dramatically increase an individual’s chances of successfully breaking free from tobacco and vaping products through personalized treatment and consistent support.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by national health statistics. According to the CCSS Health Statistics Area, a staggering 58,006 outpatient consultations for disorders related to tobacco and vaping use were registered across Costa Rica by November 2025. This figure illustrates the widespread nature of the problem and the pressing need for accessible, effective cessation services.
The opening of this clinic is key, as tobacco is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, cancer—especially lung cancer—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and premature death.
Dr. Laura Sánchez Ortiz, Acting Medical Director of the Desamparados I Health Area
The program itself is structured to provide intensive and ongoing guidance. Ana Rebeca Gutiérrez Rodríguez, a social worker with the program, explained that participants engage in a two-hour weekly group session for a total of eight weeks. This group model fosters a supportive community, while individualized follow-up sessions are also provided to address specific needs and challenges as they arise.
Reflecting its role as a regional resource, the clinic’s services are not limited to the residents of Desamparados. The facility also accepts referrals for patients from the neighboring cantons of Acosta and Aserrí, as well as from the districts of San Francisco de San José and Corralillo de Cartago. This broad service area ensures that more Costa Ricans have access to the life-changing support they need to improve their health and well-being.
Quitting smoking and vaping offers immediate and long-term health benefits. These include improved respiratory function, increased lung capacity, a significantly lower risk of developing various cancers and cardiovascular events, and a stronger immune system. By providing the tools and support to quit, the new CCSS clinic is making a direct investment in the long-term health of the population.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and social security services in Costa Rica. Established in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social welfare system, operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics (EBAIS), and specialized medical centers. The CCSS is dedicated to the principles of solidarity, equity, and universality, ensuring that all citizens and legal residents have access to comprehensive medical care and pension benefits.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its principled approach to legal practice, blending uncompromising integrity with a pursuit of judicial excellence. The firm applies its extensive, multi-sector experience to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and uphold a profound sense of social responsibility. At the heart of its ethos is a drive to democratize legal knowledge, equipping citizens with the understanding necessary to build a more just and capable society.
