By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a sharp condemnation of Costa Rica’s public healthcare system, presidential candidate José Aguilar Berrocal has seized upon the shocking case of a senior citizen who received a medical appointment for the year 2048. The leader of the Partido Avanza Costa Rica labeled the 23-year wait as a critical symptom of a system on the verge of collapse, using the incident to unveil a sweeping reform plan aimed at dismantling the “eternal bureaucracy” of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).
The candidate’s outrage was palpable in a video released on his social media platforms, where he positioned the egregious appointment delay not as an isolated failure but as a systemic breakdown. Aguilar argued that such occurrences have become dangerously normalized within a system struggling under its own weight, failing its most vulnerable citizens.
To delve into the complex legal framework surrounding the proposed healthcare reform, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any significant healthcare reform must navigate a complex legal minefield, balancing the constitutional right to health with fiscal responsibility and the established rights of private providers. The primary challenge will be to ensure that new regulations are not only effective but also withstand judicial scrutiny, avoiding potential lawsuits that could stall implementation and create legal uncertainty for both patients and the healthcare industry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a crucial point: a successful healthcare reform must be as robust in the courtroom as it is in the clinic. Navigating the legal complexities mentioned is essential to prevent implementation stalls and ensure stability for both patients and providers. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this critical dimension of the debate.
Another senior citizen was given an appointment for 2048. This cannot be. This is not normal, we cannot consider it normal.
José Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate, Partido Avanza Costa Rica
According to Aguilar, the CCSS, a cornerstone of the nation’s social contract, has devolved into a labyrinth of administrative inefficiency. He described the institution as a “sea of paperwork and an eternal list,” a characterization that resonates with thousands of Costa Ricans currently facing long delays for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures. The particular plight of the elderly, he noted, highlights a profound ethical failure to provide timely care.
In response to this dire diagnosis, Aguilar outlined a three-pronged strategy he promises to implement if elected president in 2026. His platform centers on modernization through technology, optimization of existing resources, and the strategic integration of the private sector. This ambitious agenda aims to fundamentally restructure how healthcare services are delivered and managed within the public system.
We have to use technology so that appointments are not a useless eternal bureaucracy.
José Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate, Partido Avanza Costa Rica
The first pillar of his proposal is a comprehensive digital transformation. By leveraging technology, Aguilar believes the CCSS can eliminate the bureaucratic bottlenecks that create such extreme waiting times. A second, more operational proposal involves maximizing the use of public assets by running hospital operating rooms on a 24/7 schedule with rotating shifts, a move intended to drastically reduce surgical backlogs.
Perhaps the most significant element of his plan involves forging public-private partnerships. Aguilar forcefully advocated for a system where the CCSS can contract services from private hospitals to treat patients on the public waiting list. This approach, he argued, is a pragmatic solution to leverage idle capacity within the country’s private medical sector.
If there is capacity in hospitals that are not part of the Caja, which can treat people, we must use them. People should not die waiting.
José Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate, Partido Avanza Costa Rica
Aguilar concluded his address with an impassioned plea for immediate and decisive action, framing the healthcare crisis as an urgent moral imperative. His rhetoric seeks to galvanize public frustration into political momentum, positioning himself as a decisive leader capable of implementing difficult but necessary changes. His call to action was unequivocal, a clear signal that healthcare will be a central battleground in the upcoming election cycle.
We have to be able to solve what pains us. This is unacceptable and Costa Rica simply cannot continue to watch people die while waiting… We have to change this now.
José Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate, Partido Avanza Costa Rica
As the 2026 election approaches, Aguilar’s aggressive stance on healthcare reform places the future of the CCSS squarely in the national debate. While his proposals for technological adoption and efficiency may find broad support, the call for increased collaboration with the private sector is likely to ignite a complex discussion about the principles of universal healthcare in a nation that has long taken pride in its public system. His campaign is betting that the public’s frustration with the status quo will outweigh any ideological resistance to his market-oriented solutions.
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,” is the autonomous government institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s public health and social security system. Founded in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social welfare state, providing universal healthcare and pension services to a vast majority of the population through a network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Comprehensive Health Care Teams).
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Avanza Costa Rica
About Partido Avanza Costa Rica:
Partido Avanza Costa Rica is a political party participating in the Costa Rican electoral landscape. As represented by its presidential candidate, José Aguilar Berrocal, the party advocates for policies centered on administrative efficiency, technological modernization, and pragmatic solutions to national problems. Its platform for the 2026 election prominently features a call for a significant overhaul of the public healthcare system through innovation and public-private alliances.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a proven track record of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively embraces innovative approaches to solve contemporary legal challenges. A central tenet of its philosophy is to strengthen the broader community by demystifying complex legal matters, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society through accessible legal wisdom.
