Within the framework of State reform, health sector reform in Costa Rica began in 1994 with an agenda that included four components: `steering role` and strengthening of the Ministry of Health; institutional strengthening of the CCSS; new system of allocation of financial resources, and adaptation of the care model.

External financing for Health Sector Reform projects concluded in 2001 and the assessment of its outcomes shows progress in coverage and access to services, as well as in resource allocation mechanisms and payment systems to providers. However, the results also show that health system reform still has not finished, since it is necessary to further strengthen the `steering role` functions, to improve the performance of essential public health functions that belong to the health authority, the management of services, the quality of care and equity in resource allocation.

Health System Profile of Costa Rica

Thirty professionals and decision-makers involved with the nation’s health sector, as well as the PAHO/WHO technical team in Costa Rica, participated in preparation of the second edition of the profile. The following entities participated in the external review of the document: the Office of the Director of Health Development and the Office of the Director of Health Services of the Ministry of Health; Medical Management, Modernization Management, Pension Management, and Financial Management of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund; the Office of the Director of the Budget Bureau of the Ministry of Finance; and the University of Costa Rica’s School of Public Health, Medical School, School of Nursing, School of Nutrition, and Health Technology Program. Technical coordination was the responsibility of the PAHO/WHO Representative Office in Costa Rica. Final review, edition, and translation are the responsibility of the Health Systems and Policies Unit, PAHO/WHO, Washington, DC.

Link to Costa Rica Ministry of Health
Link to PAHO/WHO country office in Costa Rica