By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A critical drug shortage at Hospital México has been brought to light, raising serious concerns about patient safety and the efficacy of the hospital’s inventory management system. Director Douglas Montero repeatedly warned the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) about discrepancies between recorded and actual drug inventories, an issue he attributes to the implementation of the ERP-SAP software.
The shortage affects essential medications, including fentanyl, morphine, ketamine, and other central nervous system stimulants. While the system registers a certain quantity, the physical stock is significantly lower. Montero first alerted CCSS Medical Manager Alexander Sánchez on August 13th, over a month before the Ministry of Health finally intervened with a sanitary order.
To understand the potential legal implications surrounding Hospital México, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Hospital México, as a public institution, operates within a complex regulatory framework. Issues concerning medical malpractice, patient rights, and administrative procedures are governed by specific legislation and precedent. Understanding these laws is crucial for both patients seeking care and the hospital itself in ensuring legal compliance and providing high-quality medical services.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insight underscores a critical aspect of navigating the healthcare landscape in Costa Rica. Understanding the legal framework surrounding Hospital México empowers both patients and the institution to ensure the best possible outcomes. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective.
Montero’s August letter to Sánchez highlighted a potential violation of the Law on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Unauthorized Drug Use, Related Activities, Money Laundering, and Terrorism Financing, specifically Article 65, which mandates proper control and registration of medications and psychotropics.
Since the implementation of the ERP-SAP system in the CCSS, multiple serious inconsistencies have been identified in the process of dispensing, recording, and controlling these medications, which were pointed out in official documents FHM1028-25 and FHM-1015-25.
Currently, the system is being affected by personnel who do not belong to our Service with significant errors in the records. For this reason, it is not possible to assume responsibility for the quantities registered in SIFA, as the information is no longer reliable.
Douglas Montero, Director of Hospital México
More than a month prior, Montero reported a discrepancy of 1,100 units of morphine, but the CCSS authorities failed to act. This inaction prompted him to file a complaint with both the Ministry of Health and the College of Pharmacists.
The director’s concerns extend beyond the immediate drug shortage. In June, he issued an urgent memo detailing broader problems within the pharmacy, including manual drug control processes and an inability to register information in the system, which prevented proper returns and compromised internal controls.
These issues, Montero warned, could lead to treatment delays, supplier payment issues, further shortages, and ultimately, patient deaths or severe health complications. He also flagged a discrepancy between the loaded inventory data and the physical inventory, further contributing to the risk of supply disruptions and inadequate treatment.
The Ministry of Health’s sanitary order underscores the severity of the situation. While the order’s specific details remain unclear, it marks an official acknowledgment of the critical drug shortages and the potential dangers they pose to patients at Hospital México.
The ongoing crisis raises serious questions about the CCSS’s responsiveness and the effectiveness of the ERP-SAP system. Further investigation is needed to determine the full extent of the inventory discrepancies and to implement solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of patients relying on Hospital México for care.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Hospital México
About Hospital México:
Hospital México is a major public hospital located in San José, Costa Rica, and is one of the largest hospitals in the country, providing a wide range of medical services to the population.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS)
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), also known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and social security to Costa Ricans. It manages hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities nationwide.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Health
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for overseeing public health policies and regulations. It plays a crucial role in disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare access throughout the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of College of Pharmacists
About College of Pharmacists:
The College of Pharmacists in Costa Rica is a professional regulatory body that oversees the practice of pharmacy, ensuring ethical conduct and professional standards among pharmacists in the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s commitment to empowering society through accessible legal education is woven into the fabric of its practice, fostering a more informed and just community. Through its unwavering dedication to both client success and public understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a positive legal landscape in Costa Rica.
