The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) aims to improve care during and after childbirth with music, hydration and essences, among other measures.
The changes are intended to make both the woman and her family the focus of attention for a more harmonious experience.
María del Rocío Sáenz, president of the CCSS, explained that a prototype is being developed so that women can be accompanied by their relatives , up to 24 hours a day.
The model to be followed is the one developed at the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital in Puntarenas.
In Puntarenas, music therapy has been used for two years, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques. Women are allowed to choose how they want to give birth, whether standing or in chairs.
At San Rafael Hospital in Alajuela, obstetrician Marisel Salazar, explained that she has been reinforced with obstetrician nurses in the emergency department, and now they have a professional for each of the three shifts.
She assured that patients have been instructed in their rights to demand quality care.
In 2016, some 700 million colones were invested, mainly to purchase beds, chairs and other special units for childbirth.
For this year, the investment will have a base of 1 billion colones. 972 million are already allocated for the purchase of equipment. In addition, there is talk of new infrastructures for hospitals such as Max Peralta and San Francisco de Asís.