Healthcare systems face payment delays and diagnostic crises in Venezuela and Costa Rica

Healthcare workers and patients in Venezuela and Costa Rica are facing significant systemic challenges. In Anzoátegui, Venezuela, the Sintrasalud union has reported widespread dissatisfaction regarding delayed and irregular payments. Workers from both the ministry and the governor's office have expressed frustration with the use of the Patria system and Onapre for distributing wages, food vouchers, and integral income bonuses. Union leader José Igualguana noted that system maintenance issues prevented many elderly and rural workers from accessing funds, and reported difficulties with cash withdrawal limits at the Banco Digital de los Trabajadores.

In Costa Rica, the National Union of Nursing and Affiliates (Sinae Afines) has warned of a critical delay in diagnostic services. According to the union, patients may wait up to two years for an MRI and over a year to receive diagnostic reports. The union stated that approximately 890,000 people currently lack definitive diagnoses for potential illnesses. Sinae Afines has filed a complaint with the Public Ministry regarding alleged irregularities in a contract for the purchase of MRI machines, noting that only one of two purchased machines is currently operational and experiencing serious issues.