Health and Safety in Costa Rica

The Ministry of Health is part of the national health system which gives leadership for the sectors. The Ministry of Health is also in charge for leading health research, which is implemented by Health Research Institute and the Clodomiro Picado Institute. The health services are maintained by a system of laboratories, selected few use modern technology. There is a system of 3 private and 25 public blood banks. There are 1.6 hospitals beds for every 10,000 populations in public sector. Citizen can dial 911, 128 for emergency or 221-5818 for medical assistance.

Infectious diseases that are encountered in the country are chagas, cholera, coccidioidomycosis, dengue fever, fascioliasis, hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leptospirosis, malaria, meningococcal meningitis, paragonimiasis, Yellow fever and among others. Life expectation at birth m/f (years) is 76/80; healthy life anticipation at birth m/f is 65/69 (2003); possibility of dying below 5 for every 1,000 live births is 12; chance of dying between 15 and 60 years for every 1,000 population m/f is 118/71. As of 2005, the total expenses on health of GDP are 7.1% and health per capita (Intl $) is 684.

Cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic surgery and gastric bypass surgical treatment are the country’s hidden wealth, but not properly kept secret. Thousands of individuals take advantage of the economical but high-quality care offered by the country’s cosmetic surgeons and dentists every year.