Costa Rica strengthens primary health care to face epidemiological challenges
Costa Rica launched a National Strategy to strengthen primary health care, with the aim of addressing population aging and the increase in chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, seeking that 80% of cases are resolved at the first level and to decongest hospitals.
TL;DR
- Costa Rica has launched a National Strategy to strengthen primary healthcare.
- The strategy aims to address population aging and the increase in chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
- The goal is for 80% of cases to be resolved at the first level of care to decongest hospitals.
- The initiative focuses on three lines: promotion and prevention, coverage and quality.
- Multidisciplinary teams will be formed to promote healthy lifestyles.
- A pilot program will create 298 new professional positions in 15 health areas.
- The strategy includes opening spots for general practitioners and specialist nurses.
- Community health areas will be able to provide prescriptions for medications previously only available from hospital specialists.
- Costa Rica has a life expectancy of 81 years, with 55% of the adult population having at least one chronic disease.
- Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are among the leading causes of health center visits.