Nosara Census 2024
Healthcare in Nosara: Distance to Hospital, Emergencies and Needs
Medical care in the district faces a critical barrier: distance. From the district of Nosara to the nearest hospital, Hospital La Anexión in Nicoya, it is 60 kilometers, and the ambulance transfer takes close to 1 hour and 15 minutes even with the road in good condition. The Nosara Census 2024 put numbers to this reality.
The Distance to the Nearest Hospital
Nosara does not have its own hospital. In an emergency, the referral center is Hospital La Anexión, located in Nicoya, 60 kilometers away. The ambulance transfer takes close to 1 hour and 15 minutes, and that time is only achievable when the road is in good condition.
In situations where every minute counts, that distance becomes a direct risk factor for patients' lives. Geography and road conditions make emergency response one of the major service gaps in the area.
Mortality and Medical Care in the Area
Census data reflect a drastic change: in 2024 there were 57 deaths in the district, compared with 10 in 2010. The increase tracks population growth, but it also reveals the limitations of access to medical care.
Even more concerning, almost half of recent deaths (2023-2024) occurred without medical attention. Press coverage reported that 45% of those who died in the coastal zone received no medical attention, a figure that captures the urgency of the problem.
A Needs Study for the CCSS
Faced with this situation, the project produced a Public Health Services Needs Study for the district, delivered to the CCSS. The document gathers evidence on the local situation and sets out concrete priorities for investment and planning.
Among its conclusions, the study highlights the need for 24/7 emergency services in the district, a demand aligned with the evidence on distances, transfer times and deaths without medical attention documented by the census.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nearest hospital to Nosara?
The nearest hospital is Hospital La Anexión, in Nicoya, 60 kilometers from the district. The ambulance transfer takes close to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How many deaths were there in Nosara in 2024?
In 2024 there were 57 deaths in the district, compared with 10 in 2010, according to the census.
How many deaths occur without medical attention in Nosara?
Almost half of recent deaths (2023-2024) occurred without medical attention. Press reported that 45% of those who died in the coastal zone received no medical attention.
What does the health study propose for Nosara?
The Public Health Services Needs Study, delivered to the CCSS, highlights the need for 24/7 emergency services in the district.