By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – After a prolonged period of uncertainty marked by significant political hurdles, the province of Cartago is finally on track to receive a landmark upgrade to its public health services. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) officially issued the start order for the new Maximiliano Peralta Jiménez Hospital on Friday, October 3rd, signaling the end of a contentious waiting game and the beginning of a multi-year development plan.
The project, a colossal $398 million investment, represents the single largest infrastructure undertaking in the history of the CCSS. Its path to approval was anything but smooth, with the source text noting multiple attempts by the administration of President Rodrigo Chaves to halt its progress. The final go-ahead came only after the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) provided its crucial endorsement of the construction contract, overriding previous administrative obstacles and delivering a long-awaited victory for the region’s residents.
To delve into the complex legal and administrative framework surrounding the stalled construction of the new hospital in Cartago, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in public law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The case of the Cartago hospital is a textbook example of the friction between the principles of administrative contracting and the pressing reality of public need. While the stringent oversight by the Comptroller’s Office is designed to safeguard public funds and ensure transparency, the appeals and legal challenges inherent in the process can lead to significant delays. The fundamental issue is balancing procedural legality with the constitutional right to health. Any misstep by the CCSS could trigger lengthy litigation, yet inaction directly impacts the well-being of thousands of citizens, creating a high-stakes legal and social dilemma.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective shared masterfully encapsulates the core conflict facing not only the Cartago hospital project but many public works in the country: a system where procedural safeguards, while essential, can become obstacles to fulfilling fundamental rights. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution in clarifying this intricate legal and social crossroads.
While the order to begin has been given, the community will not see bulldozers on site immediately. The initial phase is dedicated to meticulous planning and design, a process projected to last approximately six months. During this period, architectural and engineering teams will finalize the comprehensive construction blueprints for the massive facility. These plans will then undergo a rigorous review by the CCSS.
Following the design stage, the project enters a critical administrative phase. The CCSS will assess the finalized plans, request any necessary adjustments, and then proceed with securing the required construction permits. This bureaucratic step is estimated to take an additional four to five months. Based on this timeline, officials anticipate that physical construction will commence in late 2026 or early 2027, setting the stage for the most visible part of the project.
The construction itself is slated to be a marathon, not a sprint, with an estimated duration of two years and three months. If all milestones are met without significant delays, the new Maximiliano Peralta Jiménez Hospital is projected to open its doors and become fully operational between 2028 and early 2029. This timeline means Cartago is still about three to four years away from utilizing the modern facility.
The scale of the new hospital is designed to transform healthcare delivery in the region. The complex will feature six distinct buildings organized into two main blocks, housing an initial capacity of 434 beds with the infrastructure to expand to 457. It will be equipped with 10 state-of-the-art operating rooms, a specialized gyneco-obstetrics block, resuscitation rooms, and a full suite of advanced diagnostic imaging services. The outpatient consultation area will accommodate all medical specialties currently offered by the existing hospital.
This monumental project is expected to directly benefit a population of over 500,000 people from Cartago and its surrounding communities, providing access to a higher standard of care and reducing the strain on the current, aging infrastructure. Underscoring a commitment to long-term quality, the construction contract also includes a provision for two years of comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance for both the buildings and the medical equipment after completion.
For the residents of Cartago, the issuance of the start order marks a pivotal moment. It signifies that after years of debate and administrative challenges, the promise of a world-class public hospital is finally solidifying into a concrete timeline. The countdown has officially begun for a new era in the province’s public health system, one defined by expanded capacity, modern technology, and enhanced patient care.
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” or CCSS, is the autonomous public institution in charge of Costa Rica’s social security system. It manages the nation’s public health sector, including hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (primary care teams), providing universal healthcare coverage to citizens and legal residents. It also administers the country’s public pension system.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The Comptroller General of the Republic of Costa Rica is an auxiliary institution of the Legislative Assembly responsible for overseeing public funds. The CGR acts as the supreme audit institution, ensuring the legality and efficiency of the use of public resources by government bodies. Its endorsement, or “refrendo,” is required for major public contracts to ensure they comply with legal and financial regulations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele while simultaneously pioneering modern legal solutions and strategies. This profound commitment extends beyond its practice, aiming to fortify society by demystifying the law and cultivating a citizenry empowered by accessible legal understanding.
