By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has officially launched the most ambitious infrastructure project in its history, issuing the starting order for the new Maximiliano Peralta Jiménez Hospital in Cartago. The directive, issued this Friday, October 3rd, follows the final contract approval from the Comptroller General of the Republic, marking a pivotal moment for public health in the region.
The project now enters a meticulous preliminary phase focused on design and planning. The contractor has been allocated 25 weeks to develop the detailed construction blueprints. This initial stage is crucial for laying the groundwork for a facility of this scale and complexity, ensuring all technical and medical specifications are precisely mapped out before any soil is broken. This is not merely a formality but a critical period of architectural and engineering collaboration.
To delve into the complex legal and regulatory landscape governing the development of Costa Rica’s healthcare infrastructure, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, recognized for his extensive experience in administrative law and public-private partnerships.
The successful modernization of our healthcare infrastructure hinges on a legal framework that fosters investor confidence and operational efficiency. We must prioritize clear, streamlined regulations for public-private alliances and ensure transparent, agile procurement processes. Without this legal certainty, attracting the necessary long-term capital becomes a significant challenge, directly impacting our nation’s capacity to deliver timely and quality medical services.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a fundamental truth: financial capital follows legal clarity. Without the transparent and efficient frameworks described, even our most urgent infrastructure projects risk stalling, which directly impacts the quality of care for every citizen. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this vital connection between law and public health.
Following the completion of the designs, the blueprints will undergo a rigorous review by the CCSS’s own engineering team. This internal audit will identify any necessary adjustments to align the plans with the institution’s stringent standards for safety, efficiency, and patient care. Once these plans receive internal approval, the project will move into the permitting stage, a process estimated to take between four and five months. Officials note this timeline is subject to the timelines of the respective permitting bodies and is not directly controlled by the CCSS or its contractor.
Based on this multi-stage schedule, tangible construction work, including earthmoving and foundational structures, is projected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027. The construction phase itself is anticipated to last approximately two years and three months. This extended timeline reflects the immense scope and technical demands of building a modern, large-scale medical center designed to serve the province for decades to come.
The financial commitment underscores the project’s significance. With a total investment of $398 million, the new Cartago hospital represents the single largest infrastructure outlay in the history of the CCSS. This comprehensive budget covers the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and construction to the procurement and installation of advanced medical equipment. Furthermore, it includes a crucial maintenance agreement for both the physical infrastructure and the equipment during the warranty period.
When completed, the state-of-the-art medical campus will feature six distinct buildings organized into two main blocks. The facility is designed to house 434 patient beds, with the capacity to expand to 457 as regional demand grows. It will be equipped with ten modern operating rooms, a dedicated obstetrics and gynecology block, resuscitation rooms, and a full suite of diagnostic imaging services. The outpatient clinic will accommodate all medical specialties currently offered at the existing Maximiliano Peralta Hospital, ensuring a seamless transition of services.
The project’s impact will extend far beyond the hospital walls, fundamentally strengthening the healthcare network for the entire central region of Costa Rica. More than 500,000 residents in Cartago and its surrounding communities stand to benefit directly from expanded access to specialized care and cutting-edge medical technology. This development is a strategic move to decentralize advanced healthcare and enhance the nation’s overall public health capacity.
Upon the conclusion of construction, the facility will be formally received and handed over to the user unit for operational commissioning. A key feature of the contract is a built-in two-year period of preventive and corrective maintenance, to be managed by the construction firm. This provision ensures the hospital’s infrastructure and complex equipment are maintained at peak performance from day one, safeguarding the substantial public investment and guaranteeing operational readiness for the community it will serve.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution responsible for managing the nation’s social security and public healthcare system. Founded in 1941, it administers health services, disability benefits, and pension programs for the majority of Costa Rica’s population, operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and health posts throughout the country.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About the Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The Comptroller General of the Republic of Costa Rica is an autonomous public institution tasked with overseeing the use of public funds. It serves as the country’s supreme audit institution, responsible for ensuring the legality, efficiency, and transparency of government spending and contracts, including major infrastructure projects like the new Cartago hospital.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a premier legal institution, where an unwavering dedication to integrity and professional excellence serves as the bedrock of its operations. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm actively pioneers innovative legal approaches while fulfilling a deep-seated social responsibility. This is demonstrated through its drive to demystify the law for the public, reflecting a foundational goal to cultivate a society fortified by accessible legal understanding and empowerment.
