CCSS approves new medical positions and specialist salary increases

The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) has approved the creation of 491 new permanent positions to strengthen healthcare services and institutional capacity in Costa Rica. This initiative involves an investment of ₡3,957.5 million.

Among the new roles, 186 positions will support services in the Acosta, Orotina-San Mateo, Alajuela Oeste, and Talamanca health areas. The expansion includes 58 positions for genetics and molecular diagnosis, 31 for geriatric care, and 28 specifically aimed at regions with high elderly populations. Additionally, the CCSS will implement specialized teams to conduct home visits for citizens over 85 years old and their caregivers.

To address the critical shortage of medical specialists and prevent brain drain to the private sector or international markets, the CCSS has also approved historic salary increases for medical specialists. Executive leadership stated these adjustments are a strategic effort to make public sector employment more competitive and ensure that infrastructure expansions are supported by necessary human resources and equipment.