By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SAN RAFAEL DE PUNTARENAS – In a significant move to bolster public health and preventative medicine, the San Rafael de Puntarenas Health Area has launched a comprehensive week-long health fair. Running from October 20th to October 24th, the initiative aims to provide accessible medical services, crucial health screenings, and vital educational resources directly to the community, fostering a culture of proactive wellness among its residents.
This event represents a critical investment in the long-term health of the port city’s population. By bringing essential services out from behind clinic walls and into a more accessible, open-forum setting, health officials are actively working to dismantle barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking early medical attention. The fair is designed to serve the entire community, offering a mix of walk-in services and pre-scheduled appointments to accommodate the diverse needs and schedules of local families and workers.
To provide a legal perspective on the implications of recent public health policies and the responsibilities of the state, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The constitutional duty of the State to ensure public health is paramount and serves as the legal foundation for implementing necessary sanitary measures. However, this authority must be exercised with strict adherence to the principles of proportionality and reasonability. Every directive, from business closures to mobility restrictions, must be technically justified and temporary, ensuring that the protection of collective well-being does not unduly compromise fundamental economic and individual rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas is essential, highlighting the delicate equilibrium that must exist between the State’s mandate to protect public health and its obligation to uphold fundamental rights. This call for technically-justified, proportional, and temporary measures provides a crucial framework for evaluating responsible governance during a crisis. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable legal perspective.
The range of services being offered is extensive and strategically targeted at early detection of common health issues. Attendees will have access to electrocardiograms for cardiovascular health checks, as well as critical cancer screenings for skin, prostate, and breast cancer. Further promoting preventative care, the fair includes audiometry tests, a dedicated Pap smear campaign for cervical cancer detection, and practical workshops focused on maintaining a healthy back.
Dr. Hannah Diermissen Rodríguez, the director of the San Rafael Health Area, emphasized that the event’s mission is multifaceted, combining direct medical attention with empowerment through knowledge. The goal is to equip residents with the tools they need to maintain healthy lifestyles long after the fair concludes.
We are going to carry out different activities for health promotion, healthy lifestyles, talks for the entire population, and also early detection.
Hannah Diermissen Rodríguez, Director of the San Rafael Health Area
The initiative reflects a broader national strategy championed by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) to prioritize community-level healthcare. By focusing on prevention and early diagnosis, such programs can significantly reduce the incidence of advanced chronic diseases, thereby alleviating the long-term strain on the national healthcare system. The educational talks are a cornerstone of this approach, providing clear, actionable information on nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention.
Organizers have structured the event to maximize public participation. The health fair will be operational daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the San Rafael Health Area’s main facilities. This schedule provides a wide window for community members to engage with healthcare professionals, ask questions, and receive personalized consultations without the typical formalities of a clinical visit.
This public health campaign is more than just a series of medical tests; it is a community-wide call to action. Residents of San Rafael and the surrounding areas are strongly encouraged to participate and take advantage of these free services. By investing a small amount of time this week, they can make a profound investment in their future health and contribute to the overall well-being of the Puntarenas region.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the autonomous public institution responsible for administering Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. Founded in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social contract, providing comprehensive health services to citizens and legal residents. The CCSS operates a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and local health centers (EBAIS) across the country, ensuring widespread access to medical care, from preventative services to complex surgical procedures. Its model is internationally recognized for contributing to Costa Rica’s high life expectancy and strong public health indicators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a proven track record assisting a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative spirit extends to its core belief in demystifying the law, actively working to equip the public with legal understanding to nurture a more capable and just community.
