After overcoming the crisis that overwhelmed the health insurance between 2010 and 2012, now the new challenge for the authorities of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) is reaching its sustainability.
Gustavo Picado, financial manager of the entity, explained that at a time of stability and financial equilibrium it is necessary to think about its sustainability, in order to have a more timely and higher quality service offer that satisfies the needs of the population.
He also argued that now that financial conditions are robust and that there has been significant growth in investment is when they should think about making other decisions, whose impact will be in the medium and long term.
Picado believes Costa Rica’s universal system of almost unrestricted access and with a vast range of services, has more complex challenges than those of other health systems that are simpler, more closed and that offer more limited services.
He stressed that in the CCSS they are convinced that it was time to reflect on strategies that allow a more efficient use of resources and interactions and interventions that allow an increasingly healthy society.
The sustainability of insurance implies the participation of other governmental and non-governmental actors, since health does not depend solely on the actions taken by the institution.
Some measures will be simple, others will be more complex and take more time, according to the Financial Manager.
The Health Insurance Sustainability Forum will take place this Monday and Tuesday, which will be developed at the Social Development Center (CEDESO), located in the Vasconia neighborhood, starting at 8:30 in the morning on both days.
Renowned Costa Rican and foreign specialists will contribute to this reflection that merits the involvement of many actors.
Some of the guests are Dr. Karen Mayorga, Minister of Health, Mr. Sergio Alfaro, Minister of the Presidency, Mr. Alfredo Hasbum, Minister of Labor and Dr. Fernando Llorca, Executive President of the CCSS, as well as international experts.