The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) removed from his position, for a period of two months, the director of the Monseñor Sanabria Hospital of Puntarenas, Randall Álvarez Juárez, while an administrative investigation is being carried out against him.
The measure, confirmed by the institution for the director, also affects four other officials of the medical center, according to Ronald Quesada, leader of the Union of Cash and Social Security Employees (Undeca):
- Josefa Herrera, Director of Nursing.
- Alexis Vargas, administrator.
- Eimy Lamas, head of Human Resources.
- Cindy Molina, Head of Nutrition.
According to the institution, the measure occurs due to an investigation against the medical leader. However, no further details were given in this regard.
“As of this Tuesday, the temporary separation of Dr. Randall Álvarez Juárez, director of the Puntarenas hospital, was ordered for a period of up to two months, within the framework of an ongoing research process. This measure aims to facilitate the development of the investigation and guarantee the transparency of the process.
As this is a procedure in progress, the institution will not refer to additional details, in order not to compromise the investigation or the rights of the parties involved,” the CCSS indicated.
Questions and previous complaints
The separation of the hierarchs occurs after a series of protests and public complaints on alleged irregularities in hospital management.
On March 23 and 24, nursing and X-ray personnel carried out a work stoppage to demand the replacement of 32 positions and improvements in working conditions.
Added to these incidents was the complaint by cardiologist Jimena Araya, who through social networks pointed out alleged serious anomalies, such as irregular prioritization of patients, alteration of medical records, non-compliance with availability and possible misuse of resources.
“Despite denouncing multiple sectors, nothing happens,” said the doctor.
Given these events, the Ombudsman’s Office announced on March 30 that it requested formal accounts from the hospital.
According to the Ombudsman’s Office, there are files in the Integrated System of Administrative Processes (SIPA) related to late arrivals and non-compliance with guards.
“In one of the cases, a medical expert opinion has been requested through the CCSS Medical Management,” the institution indicated.
In addition, he indicated that coordination efforts have been carried out with the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office) and the Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS), to address the reported situations.
