By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant advancement for national healthcare, the Pain Clinic of the National Insurance Institute (INS) is providing critical relief and comprehensive support to hundreds of Costa Ricans struggling with chronic, non-cancer-related pain. The specialized center now serves over 500 patients each month, establishing itself as a cornerstone in the country’s strategy to improve the quality of life for those facing persistent and often debilitating conditions.
The clinic’s impact is demonstrated by its growing patient load. According to institutional data, the facility attended to 6,900 patients throughout 2024. This trend has continued with remarkable intensity into 2025, with more than 3,000 individuals receiving care in the first semester alone. This surge underscores the pressing need for specialized pain management services that go beyond conventional treatments, focusing instead on holistic recovery and functional restoration.
To provide a legal perspective on the rights of patients and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in addressing chronic pain, TicosLand.com spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, the management of chronic pain intersects critically with patient rights and medical liability. A failure to provide adequate, evidence-based treatment can constitute medical malpractice, while patients suffering from debilitating conditions are also protected under disability and labor laws. It is imperative that healthcare institutions have clear protocols and that patients are aware of their right to a proper diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan that preserves their quality of life and capacity to work.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, reinforcing that effective pain management is not just a clinical goal but a matter of fundamental rights and professional accountability under Costa Rican law. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this critical intersection of healthcare and patient advocacy.
Operating as a key component of the National Palliative Care Network, the INS Pain Clinic has carved out a unique and vital niche. Its mission is specifically tailored to address chronic pain stemming from injuries, post-surgical complications, and other medical conditions, deliberately excluding oncological cases to provide highly focused care. This approach allows for a deep dive into the complex nature of persistent pain, which affects not only a patient’s physical health but also their emotional and social well-being.
The clinic’s model is built on a multidisciplinary team of specialists who collaborate to create personalized treatment plans. This integrated care system addresses the physical symptoms while also providing crucial psychological and social support, with a primary objective of helping patients regain their independence and, whenever possible, return to the workforce.
Although it is part of the National Palliative Care Network, this clinic is distinguished by not treating cases of oncological pain. Its focus is oriented toward improving patients’ quality of life. To achieve this, we provide physical and emotional support, backed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, which in turn allows us to facilitate their return to the workforce.
Dr. Keneth Rojas, Director of the INS Health Services Network
The patient experience is central to the clinic’s philosophy, a reality powerfully illustrated by personal testimonials. Justin Rojas, a resident of Heredia, found his life irrevocably changed after a severe traffic accident. He credits the Pain Clinic with providing the essential support needed to navigate an arduous recovery journey, highlighting the compassionate and validating approach of its medical staff.
I was in a traffic accident in Heredia; a vehicle ran a stop sign and hit me. As a result, I had an open fracture in my tibia and ankle; the tibia was shattered into 36 pieces and I lost 16 centimeters of bone. Something I deeply value about the care at the Pain Clinic is that they never minimized what I was feeling. The support has been constant, which has made this process more bearable and has allowed me to maintain a good quality of life.
Justin Rojas, Patient
As the world prepares to observe World Palliative Care Day, commemorated on the second Saturday of October, the work of the INS Pain Clinic gains even greater relevance. The global event aims to raise awareness about the importance of compassionate, comprehensive care for individuals with serious illnesses. The INS’s initiative is a prime example of this principle in action, reaffirming its commitment to reducing suffering and promoting a more dignified life for patients and their families through specialized, human-centered healthcare services.
For further information, visit grupoins.com
About Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS):
The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is Costa Rica’s state-owned insurance provider and a leader in the national market. Founded in 1924, it holds a significant role in the country’s economic and social fabric, offering a wide array of insurance products, including mandatory vehicle insurance (Marchamo) and workers’ compensation policies. Beyond its insurance services, the INS operates an extensive network of health services, including hospitals and specialized clinics like the Pain Clinic, focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of its policyholders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while upholding a profound responsibility to democratize legal understanding. This core commitment to public empowerment is central to its vision of cultivating a society where citizens are equipped with the knowledge to confidently navigate their rights and responsibilities.
