Darío Contreras Hospital reinforces policy of free access and transparency in its services
The Dr. Darío Contreras Trauma Hospital has issued a strong statement to remind the public that all its healthcare services must be provided free of charge, without patients or their families having to make payments, give gifts, or provide personal benefits to the center’s staff. This measure is part of a new institutional campaign aimed at guaranteeing transparent, timely, and humanized medical care.
The hospital’s general director, Andy de León Valenzuela, warned that the administration will be inflexible regarding any conduct that seeks to violate the rights of users. According to the center’s guidelines, it is strictly prohibited for employees or health professionals to request or accept money under any circumstances to expedite processes or ensure care.
Official procedures for authorized payments
Although the public health network guarantees free services, there are exceptional cases where an institutional payment is required, such as certain services intended for foreign patients. In such situations, the hospital clarified that the only valid channel to carry out any transaction is the General Cashier of the establishment, always subject to prior validation by the Billing Department.
- No employee or department is authorized to receive money directly from patients.
- Every payment made at the General Cashier must have its respective official receipt.
- The lack of identity documents or medical insurance will not be an impediment to receiving immediate assistance in emergency situations.
For those patients who lack medical insurance, the Darío Contreras has committed to managing their enrollment through the National Health Insurance (Senasa). Likewise, any request for exemption must be channeled exclusively through the Social Plans Division.
The need, pain, or vulnerability of a person can never be used for private gain. We will be firm against any conduct that violates the rights of our patients.
Andy de León Valenzuela, director of the Darío Contreras Hospital.
Whistleblowing channels for irregularities
As part of this initiative, hospital authorities urge users to report any attempt at improper charging. The health center guarantees that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality and will be subject to a thorough investigation, which could lead to administrative, disciplinary, or legal sanctions against those responsible.
The hospital management has instructed all operational areas to keep their staff informed about these provisions and to ensure that patient rights remain visible in the facilities, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and ethics in public care.
