Costa Rica hospitals face emergency occupancy rates up to 310%

The Colegio de Trabajadores Sociales (Coltras) has issued an alert regarding severe saturation in Costa Rican public hospital emergency services, with occupancy rates reaching between 200% and 310% this year.

Specific reports indicate that the Hospital Enrique Baltodano in Liberia reached 310% occupancy in May. Other facilities also reported high levels, including the Hospital de Guápiles at 214% and the Tony Facio hospital in Limón at 185%. In September, the Hospital Calderón Guardia approached 200% occupancy, largely due to patients remaining in emergency areas while awaiting hospitalization beds or specialized procedures.

The saturation has led to critical conditions, such as patients—including elderly individuals and children—receiving treatment while lying on the floor at the Hospital de Guápiles. Furthermore, the Colegio noted that the crisis affects pre-hospital services, as Red Cross stretchers are being detained in emergency departments for hours or even days, reducing the availability of resources for new emergencies.