Healthcare in Costa Rica

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Healthcare in Costa Rica

The healthcare belief system in Costa Rica

In the past, Costa Ricans believed sickness could be healed with medicinal plants, rituals, and unrealistic practices. Nowadays, we still see these practices in some parts of the world. However, Costa Rica has been improving its approach to treating illnesses and is a leader in Central America in adopting good medical practices. (Ramírez, 2022)

 

In Costa Rica, rituals surrounding death are rooted in culture and religious beliefs. Death is treated with a deep sense of respect and dignity. Cultural beliefs and traditions play a significant role in how death is perceived. Many Costa Ricans are Catholic, and religious rituals and prayers are important in the funeral process. The rituals of the funeral process include a wake where family and friends come to pay their respects. The funeral ceremony usually occurs in a church, followed by a time of mourning. Family members wear black during mourning and do not participate in social events. (Tellier, 2023)

 

If I had a friend who was going to be working in Costa Rica in a non-governmental organization doing healthcare-related work, I would advise them to know Spanish; being fluent in Spanish would be even better. I would tell them that the culture believes in medical and scientific ways of healing and that they have an amazing healthcare system. If my friend was going to be working in the community, they might be working in one of the EBAIS, which is a small clinic that provides non-emergency care. (www.who.org, www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr, 2014) They are leading the way in adopting good medical practices and are doing much research on creating a cure for cancer. Costa Rica is also becoming a popular destination for medical tourism. Traveling for medical treatment is surprisingly affordable and well worth the trip. I traveled to Mexico for surgery a few years ago. Not only did they do an amazing job with my planned surgery, but they also found a problem and were able to fix it. I had been to many doctors in the U.S., none of whom could figure it out. Maybe a trip to Costa Rica for a planned procedure could be in my future!

 

Bibliography

Ramírez, A. B. (2022, March 1). 'The Impact of Culture and Belief on Cancer Care in Costa Rica. Retrieved from Costa Rica', Global Perspectives in Cancer Care: Religion, Spirituality, and Cultural Diversity in Health and Healing: https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780197551349.003.0034,

Tellier, G. (2023, April 3). Understanding funerals in Costa Rica. Retrieved from Costa Rica immigration experts: https://crie.cr/

www.who.org, www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr. (2014). Retrieved from www.healthsoul.com.

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