The National Union of Nursing and Related Workers (SINAE AFINES) has criticized the Minister of Health, Mary Munive, and her ministry for budget cuts and delays in transfers that have led to the financial crisis of the Red Cross and affected key programs such as the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA).
According to SINAE AFINES, the Red Cross is facing a financial crisis linked to cuts driven by Rodrigo Chaves’ administration and supported by Health Minister Mary Munive. The union claims Munive lacks technical experience in health matters and has ignored scientific evidence. Additionally, pending transfers from the Ministry of Finance have exacerbated the situation, as reported by CRHoy. The union indicated that these reductions also impact IAFA and the Genetics Laboratory of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), with approved adjustments for 2025 and 2026 creating a deficit that could limit emergency services.
SINAE AFINES further said that these budgetary changes have accumulated across various public health programs. They urged for the release of authorized funds and a review of reductions to prevent disruptions in service continuity. Despite adjustments made by the Legislative Assembly, SINAE AFINES highlighted that under Munive’s management, there is a lack of execution and coordination resulting in a deficit close to ₡1.7 billion, potentially hindering thousands of emergency services next year. Lenin Hernández Navas, Secretary-General of SINAE AFINES, called on Chaves and Munive to ensure approved resources are available to protect essential health services.
Jonathan Prendas Rodríguez, a political scientist and former deputy, spoke with Hernández who directly questioned Minister Mary Munive for not managing resources allocated by law to the Red Cross and IAFA. Hernández urged her to “embrace her role as a doctor” and reminded her of her duty towards social security. He noted that under her management, cuts and delays have been allowed with serious effects on essential services. He also asserted that Munive “cannot allow lack of interest or resources to end up affecting people.”
Founded in 1969, SINAE-AFINES advocates for labor rights and well-being of nursing staff in Costa Rica, promoting salary improvements, training, and participation in negotiations. The organization aims to be a leader in the health sector by fostering leadership, justice, respect, solidarity, and commitment among its members and in patient care.
