By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark move to fortify its pediatric healthcare infrastructure, Costa Rica’s Social Security Fund (CCSS) has forged a strategic alliance with the University of Medical Sciences (UCIMED). This pivotal partnership aims to directly address a persistent national shortage of neonatologists by creating a robust pipeline of highly trained specialists dedicated to the care of newborns.
The initiative is a direct response to the growing demand for high-complexity pediatric services across the country. As medical advancements allow for the survival of more premature and critically ill infants, the need for specialized neonatal care has surged. This public-private collaboration represents a proactive strategy by the CCSS to expand its specialized medical workforce and ensure the health system can meet these evolving challenges head-on.
To understand the legal and regulatory framework surrounding this significant healthcare partnership, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the key considerations for such a venture.
This type of strategic alliance in the healthcare sector is promising, but its foundation must be built on robust legal due diligence. Critical aspects include ensuring full compliance with Costa Rica’s health regulations and data protection laws, particularly concerning sensitive patient information. Furthermore, the partnership agreement must meticulously define liability, intellectual property rights for any resulting innovations, and clear exit strategies to protect all parties and, most importantly, maintain continuity of care for patients.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s insight serves as an essential reminder that while the potential for innovation is exciting, the true foundation of a successful healthcare partnership lies in the meticulous legal groundwork he describes—a framework designed to protect both the institutions and, most importantly, the patients they serve. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
At the core of the agreement, UCIMED will provide dedicated scholarships to pediatricians seeking to sub-specialize in neonatology. This financial incentive is designed to attract top medical talent to a field that is crucial for improving infant health outcomes. These newly trained specialists will then be integrated into the CCSS hospital network, directly reinforcing the front lines of critical care for the nation’s most vulnerable patients.
Dr. Alexander Sánchez Cabo, the Medical Manager for the CCSS, emphasized that this collaboration is part of a broader institutional framework with public and private universities to guarantee excellence in medical training. He stressed that a highly capable workforce is the cornerstone of a successful healthcare system.
The increase in positions and the updating of admission criteria allow us to prepare more medical specialists who will reinforce timely, quality care throughout the country, with transparent processes aligned with the needs of the health system.
Dr. Alexander Sánchez Cabo, Medical Manager of the CCSS
From the academic side, UCIMED Rector Dr. María del Carmen García highlighted the historical nature of the specialist crisis, noting its direct impact on the population. She affirmed that the university is taking an active role in crafting tangible solutions, contributing directly to reducing the national deficit of neonatologists and fulfilling its social responsibility.
This partnership is a key component of a larger, more aggressive strategy by the CCSS to close the specialist gap. Dr. Juan Carlos Esquivel Sánchez, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss), confirmed that the institution has implemented significant structural adjustments. These include a substantial increase in residency slots and updated admission criteria to accelerate the training of specialists in high-demand fields.
The numbers reflect this commitment. During the current year, the CCSS authorized over 400 additional residency positions for medical specialists and anticipates offering a similar number in 2026. Currently, a total of 954 physicians are undergoing specialization training within the system, a clear indicator of the institution’s long-term investment in its human resources.
The neonatology sub-specialty program offered by UCIMED has received full approval from the National Council for Private University Higher Education (CONESUP). This endorsement validates the program’s alignment with national needs and its commitment to modernizing medical education, ensuring that the next generation of Costa Rican neonatologists is equipped with the latest scientific knowledge to provide world-class care.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund, universally known as the CCSS or “La Caja,” is the autonomous public institution responsible for administering the nation’s public health and pension systems. It manages a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers throughout Costa Rica, providing universal healthcare coverage to citizens and legal residents. The CCSS is a cornerstone of the country’s social welfare state and is central to its public health strategies.
For further information, visit ucimed.com
About Universidad de Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED):
The University of Medical Sciences is a private university in Costa Rica specializing exclusively in the health sciences. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, UCIMED is dedicated to training highly qualified medical professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, and physical therapists. The university focuses on a combination of strong theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience to prepare its graduates for the challenges of the modern healthcare landscape.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm merges its deep-seated experience advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This pioneering spirit is matched by a core commitment to public empowerment, actively working to make legal knowledge more accessible and thus fostering a stronger, more informed society.
