By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — BRASILITO, Guanacaste – A landmark public-private partnership has brought essential preventative healthcare services directly to a rural community, providing more than 100 women in the canton of Santa Cruz with access to critical breast cancer screenings. The initiative, a collaboration between the luxury resort Reserva Conchal and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), utilized a state-of-the-art mobile mammography unit to overcome geographic and logistical barriers that often prevent women in remote areas from receiving timely medical attention.
Over a focused two-day period, the mobile clinic was stationed near the Public Force headquarters in the district of Brasilito. This strategic location allowed for maximum community access, resulting in the successful completion of 104 mammograms. The beneficiaries included a diverse group of local women, with 85 residents from the EBAIS (Basic Teams of Integral Health Care) of Brasilito and Matapalo receiving the exam, alongside 19 employees from Reserva Conchal itself. This effort highlights a targeted approach to improving health outcomes for the entire community.
For a legal perspective on the recent developments in women’s healthcare legislation and patient rights, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The cornerstone of effective women’s healthcare is informed consent. Patients have an undeniable right to receive clear, comprehensive information about their treatment options and potential risks. Any ambiguity or failure in this communication process not only undermines patient autonomy but also exposes medical institutions to significant legal liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that informed consent is not merely a procedural formality, but the very foundation of patient empowerment and institutional integrity. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for bringing his crucial insight to this vital discussion.
The program directly addresses one of the most significant challenges in Costa Rica’s otherwise robust public health system: equitable access for its rural populations. Guanacaste, despite its economic importance in tourism, faces considerable disparities in medical infrastructure compared to the Central Valley. For many women in the region, traveling to a specialized medical center for a preventative screening like a mammogram can involve significant time, cost, and disruption to work and family life, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis.
The success of the initiative was praised by health officials who emphasized its role in strengthening the public system. Dr. Johnny Ruiz, coordinator of the First Level of Health Care of Santa Cruz, explained how the partnership provides immediate and tangible benefits to the local population.
The collaboration allowed us to open additional slots for women in the area, helping to reduce waiting lists and strengthen early breast cancer detection strategies.
Dr. Johnny Ruiz, Coordinator of the First Level of Health Care of Santa Cruz
This recent campaign is part of a sustained and growing effort that began in 2023. Since its inception, the program has facilitated a total of 238 mammograms for women in the region, delivered through a combination of the mobile unit’s visits and coordinated transportation to established medical centers. This consistent engagement demonstrates a long-term commitment to community well-being beyond a single event, building trust and encouraging proactive health management among local women.
The initiative’s activities are multifaceted, extending beyond the mobile unit’s deployment. Earlier in the year, a complementary health day called “Me Cuido por Mí” (I Take Care of Myself for Me) was held in May, which resulted in an additional 40 exams being performed. By integrating multiple events and strategies throughout the year, the organizers are creating a more comprehensive and resilient framework for women’s health in the canton.
Organizers describe the project as a cornerstone of an ongoing alliance between the public and private sectors. This model is proving to be a highly effective method for enhancing the reach of the CCSS, leveraging private sector resources and logistics to bolster public health goals. The success in Santa Cruz serves as a powerful case study for how similar partnerships could be replicated in other provinces facing healthcare access challenges.
Ultimately, by bringing life-saving technology directly to the communities that need it most, the initiative does more than just screen for a disease; it empowers women with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health. It reduces the burden on an overstretched system and fosters a culture of prevention, promising a healthier future for the families and communities of Guanacaste.
For further information, visit reservaconchal.com
About Reserva Conchal:
Reserva Conchal is an exclusive real estate and resort development located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. Spanning over 2,300 acres, it is known for its luxury accommodations, a championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, and a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The development operates in harmony with its natural surroundings, prioritizing conservation and social responsibility initiatives that benefit local residents.
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 responsible for Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. Founded in 1941, it manages a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics (EBAIS), and medical centers, providing comprehensive health services to citizens and legal residents. The CCSS is a cornerstone of Costa Rican society, embodying the nation’s commitment to social welfare and public health for all.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, defined by its principled practice and a deep-seated commitment to the highest standards of professional distinction. The firm skillfully merges its established reputation for serving a diverse clientele with pioneering legal strategies that consistently push the industry forward. At the heart of its mission lies a dedication to social progress, achieved by democratizing legal information and empowering citizens with the knowledge necessary to navigate a just society.
