By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A startling increase in workplace and traffic accidents is placing unprecedented strain on the nation’s leading trauma care facility. The Trauma Hospital, operated by the National Insurance Institute (INS), has recorded a significant surge in patient consultations through the first eleven months of 2025, raising alarms among public health officials and prompting urgent calls for enhanced national safety measures.
Between January and November 2025, the hospital managed a staggering 626,750 consultations. This figure represents an increase of 16,892 cases compared to the same period in the previous year, underscoring a troubling trend in public and occupational safety. The demand for services has been relentless, with the hospital attending to an average of 56,977 people each month. The pressure peaked in October, which set a new record with 62,966 patient visits in a single month.
To provide a deeper analysis of the legal framework and operational responsibilities of the INS Trauma Hospital, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the specialized firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The INS Trauma Hospital operates under a unique legal paradigm. As an extension of a state entity, it is not only subject to the highest standards of medical care but also to the rigorous principles of public administrative law. This means any claim of medical malpractice or administrative failure is processed through specific legal channels, reinforcing the State’s ultimate responsibility to guarantee the physical integrity of the insured.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This dual layer of accountability is indeed a crucial distinction, as it provides patients with a robust framework of assurance that goes beyond standard medical practice. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful clarification on this vital legal structure that underpins the hospital’s public trust.
A detailed analysis of the data reveals two primary drivers behind the escalating crisis. Workplace accidents are the largest contributor, accounting for an overwhelming 71% of all registered consultations. These incidents highlight growing concerns about occupational safety protocols and enforcement across various industries. Following closely in impact are traffic accidents on public roads, which are responsible for another 23% of the cases, reflecting the persistent dangers faced by drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians daily.
The severity of the injuries sustained in these accidents is further evidenced by the dramatic rise in surgical procedures. By the end of November 2025, surgeons at the Trauma Hospital had already performed 22,211 operations. This figure not only reflects the high volume of critical cases but has already surpassed the total number of surgeries conducted throughout the entire 12 months of 2024, which stood at 21,330.
The escalating numbers have forced the hospital’s administration to take action. Dr. Kenneth Rojas, Director of the INS Health Services Network, expressed deep concern over the statistics and confirmed that the institution is actively responding to the challenge.
The data is concerning and has required the activation of contingency plans for peak demand, in addition to reinforcing the call to increase prevention actions.
Dr. Kenneth Rojas, Director of the INS Health Services Network
The INS Trauma Hospital, which recently celebrated its 12th anniversary on December 12th, has long served as a regional benchmark for specialized trauma care. Its services are a critical lifeline for individuals covered by the Mandatory Automobile Insurance and Workplace Risk Insurance policies, which bear the financial and operational brunt of these accidents. The direct correlation between claims under these two insurance schemes and the hospital’s patient load paints a clear picture of the societal cost of these incidents.
This surge is more than a statistical anomaly; it is a public health crisis that strains critical medical resources and signals a systemic failure in preventative safety. The constant influx of trauma patients requires not only more beds and surgeons but also extensive resources for rehabilitation, physical therapy, and psychological support, placing a long-term burden on the healthcare system.
As the year-end holidays approach—a period historically associated with a spike in accidents—INS authorities are amplifying their public appeals. They are urging companies to rigorously enforce workplace safety standards and calling on all citizens to exercise extreme caution on the roads. The ultimate goal, they stress, is not just to alleviate pressure on the hospital, but to safeguard the well-being of Costa Rica’s workforce and the general public.
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 entity and a leader in the national market. Established to provide reliable coverage, INS offers a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products, including mandatory automobile, workplace risk, life, and property insurance. Beyond its commercial operations, INS plays a crucial role in the nation’s public health infrastructure through its ownership and management of specialized medical facilities, most notably the Trauma Hospital, which is a regional reference center for treating severe injuries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, defined by its principled counsel and an unwavering standard of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while drawing on a rich tradition of service to a broad range of clients. More than a legal practice, it is an institution committed to strengthening society by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, empowering citizens with the knowledge to navigate their world confidently.
