Incubators costing millions piled in hospital hallways, Costa Rican audit finds

An internal audit by Costa Rica's Social Security Fund (CCSS) has uncovered a concerning situation at the Hospital de las Mujeres, where seven critical incubators for newborn care were found stacked in a hallway. The discovery raises serious questions about the management and utilization of essential medical equipment.

The audit report reveals a significant lack of information surrounding these vital machines, which are crucial for the survival and well-being of premature and critically ill infants. The situation is particularly alarming given that some of the most expensive incubators, costing between ¢8 million and ¢16 million, were found in the corridor just four months after their arrival at the hospital.

This finding points to potential inefficiencies or oversights in the hospital's logistics and equipment management. The presence of such vital equipment in a hallway, rather than in designated neonatal care areas, could compromise patient safety and indicate a failure to adequately assess or meet the needs for which these incubators were acquired. The CCSS audit aims to bring transparency to the use of public health resources.