Maritime Medicine: a critical gap in Costa Rica's public health

Abstract

Costa Rica, a bi-oceanic nation with an economy heavily dependent on the sea, lacks a structured framework in Maritime Medicine. This internationally recognized specialty integrates preventive components (pre-embarkation medical examinations, medical kit control) and care components (telemedicine, medical assistance vessels, evacuations) to protect the health of workers in the maritime-fishing sector. This opinion article defines the discipline and highlights the Costa Rican paradox: despite having subscribed to International Labour Organization and International Maritime Organization conventions, the country fails to comply with its obligations to protect this high-risk group. This situation is contrasted with robust models such as that of Spain's Social Maritime Institute. It concludes with an urgent call to health authorities and the College of Physicians to lead the integration of Maritime Medicine into the national health system through training, research, and protocols to address this equity gap.